Horn allowed to seek trade

According to the AJC's Steve Wyche, Falcons receiver Joe Horn and his agent have been given clearance to gauge interest of other NFL teams in a prospective trade. Horn told the Wyche in May that he wanted to be traded by the Falcons mainly due to decreased playing time. However per Wyche, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has indicated that there has been no activity on the trade front involving Horn. Per Wyche, Horn's agent has talked to the Dallas Cowboys about a deal, but there has been no discussions between the Cowboys and Falcons. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Cowboys were interested in acquiring Horn. However on Friday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones denied interest.

Horn to Cowboys?

NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports that the Dallas Cowboys perhaps will have interest in acquiring Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn to shore up their wide receiver depth. The Cowboys are currently embroiled in a dispute with disgruntled reserve receiver Terry Glenn over an injury waiver. Horn has been linked to possibly being a candidate to be released by the Falcons since the spring, and even reportedly requested a trade from the team in May.

Horn's value to the Falcons was lessened when the team drafted Louisville receiver Harry Douglas in the third round this past April. Horn is not expected to start this season, losing his job to second-year player Laurent Robinson. Horn caught 27 passes in 12 games last season for the Falcons, but only averaged 9 yards per catch and scored 1 touchdown, less production than expected when the team signed him to a four-year $19 million contract in March 2007. As part of that deal, Horn's 2008 base salary of $2.5 million is fully guaranteed.

So far, the Falcons have indicated that they have no plans on parting ways with Horn. It remains to be seen if that will be the case as the summer progresses.

UPDATE: ESPN's Ed Werder cites a team source that confirms Schefter's report that the Cowboys have initiated internal discussion about acquiring Horn. However, Dallas Morning News columnist Brian Davis reports that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones denied interest in Horn to ESPN during an Arena Football game on Friday night.

Horn wants trade

Steve Wyche of the AJC reports that Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn desires the team to trade him. According to Wyche, Horn wants to be moved due to his desire for increased playing time.

"I want to win a Super Bowl and I want to win a Super Bowl here in Atlanta, but I don't think I can help this team win a Super Bowl sitting on the bench, waiting for third down... They're going with the younger guys and I don't have a problem with that, if that's the course they've chosen. I want to have an opportunity to play with a team that needs a veteran to play and contribute and who helps the young guys... When I came here last year I was promised I'd be on the field and it turned out I was a just-in-case guy with the situation that went on. So far this year, it seems like that's the case again."

-- Joe Horn

Per Wyche, Horn indicated he would remain professional as long as he remained with the Falcons, but would prefer a more expansive role than that as a mentor to the young guys. Horn signed with the Falcons last off-season to a four-year contract. He is slated to earn a base salary of $2.5 million this year. Previous reports have indicated that Horn was already possibly on the bubble as far as the roster goes. It is unknown if this new revelation changes his status with the team. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff indicated however that the team forsees a future for Horn on the team.

Earlier this off-season, the Falcons traded disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall after public comments indicating he no longer wanted to play for the team. The team also released running back Warrick Dunn after he asked for it as well.

Hall deal finalized

Hall will sign a seven-year contract with the Oakland Raidrs worth a reported $67 million according to the AJC, with $24.5 million in guaranteed money per NFL.com. NFL.com and other sources report that the total worth of the contract is $70 million. The Raiders have agreed to send the Falcons their second round pick this year (34th overall) as well as a fifth round pick in next year's draft.

Per the AJC, the Falcons save roughly $3 million in cap space and already are about $12 million under the $116 million salary cap.

Hall trade talks stall

The AJC's Steve Wyche reported that trade talks between the Falcons and Oakland Raiders over cornerback DeAngelo Hall were close in that a deal was likely to be done within a day or two. But NFL.com's Adam Schefter contrasted that report, indicating that negotiations have stalled due to Hall's contract demands.

The Falcons and Raiders have already agreed on compensation for Hall. The Raiders have agreed to send their second and sixth round picks to the Falcons in exchange for the disgruntled cornerback. But the deal won't be finalized until Hall agrees to a long-term contract with the Raiders. Hall is entering the final year of his contract and could be a free agent after the upcoming season. The Raiders are unwilling to give up such a high premium in draft picks if there is no guarantee Hall will be a Raider beyond this season. Schefter's report indicated that the optimism seen Sunday evening was completely reversely come Monday evening. Wyche's report cited an unknown source familiar with the negotiations as indicating the imminence of the deal.

ESPN's John Clayton backs up Schefter's report that talks have stalled. Clayton reports that Raiders owner Al Davis is keen to get the deal done. Schefter also reported that a possible solution to the stall in negotiates is a direct intervention by Davis. According to Clayton, the stall is based on the amount of money upfront given to Hall in his new contract. It's been reported by Clayton that Hall is seeking a six-year $50 million contract. Asante Samuel signed a six-year $57 million contract earlier this off-season with $20 million.

UPDATE: The AJC reports that word from Hall himself indicates the deal is close to being done. He will fly to Oakland on Wednesday, and the contract between he and the Raiders will be finalized on Thursday.

Chris Mortensen indicated on this afternoon's NFL Live show on ESPN, that Hall's deal will be around seven years worth $70 million with about $20 million guaranteed.

Hall to be traded to Raiders

ESPN reports that the Falcons have agreed in principle on a deal to ship disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for their second round pick. The deal is dependent on Hall agreeing to a contract with the Raiders. Hall is expected to sign a deal worth just under the six-year $57 million contract that free agent cornerback Asante Samuel signed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month. Samuel received $20 million in guarantees as part of that contract. The Raiders hold the 34th overall pick in the draft. Currently, the Falcons already hold two other second round picks (Nos. 37 and 48).

UPDATE: The AJC reports that the Falcons may also receive the Raiders sixth round pick as part of the proposed Hall trade. Hall denied that any trade was imminent in the AJC's report, indicating that contract negotiations between he and the Raiders are not yet completed.

Hall deal could be in works

Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that cornerback DeAngelo Hall is expected to be traded prior to the draft. Two unspecified teams are reportedly showing interest and have begun discussions with the Falcons. Schefter indicated that one of the teams is "very interested."

Falcons among Stroud suitors

Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports that the Falcons are interested in Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. Stroud was given permission by the Jaguars earlier this week to seek a trade, but is not a free agent. Marvez reports that Stroud will be visiting the Buffalo Bills.

Stroud, a first round pick for the Jaguars in 2001, has three more years left on his contract with base salaries totalling $16.5 million. But due to injuries (he missed seven games this past year), a steroids-related suspension in 2006, and a decline in play the past few years the Jaguars are looking to move him. If he joins Atlanta, it would be a reunion between him and former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith, who is now the head coach of the Falcons.

Stroud made three consecutive Pro Bowl nods between 2003 and 2005. For his career, he has started 84 of 100 career games and recorded 22 career sacks. He had career highs of 6.5 sacks in 2002 and 65 tackles in 2003. In 2007, he started 9 games, recorded 22 tackles and 3 sacks.

Falcons could look to Denver for RB and K options

Bill Williamson of the Denver Post writes that the Falcons could show interest in Jason Elam if or when he becomes available for free agency next week. Williamson also reports on rumors that the Falcons could be curious about a potential late round swap for current Broncos backup running back Mike Bell.

Williamson cites that Elam has familial ties to the state of Georgia as potential reasons why joining the Falcons could interest him. He will turn 38 in March, and has played the last 15 years with the Broncos. He tied the league record for longest field goal of 63 yards in 1998 and currently ranks 6th all-time on the all-time scoring list with 1,786 points. The Falcons are potentially interested in replacing 47-year old Morten Andersen, who is the current all-time leading scorer in NFL history with 2,544 points.

Bell fell on the depth chart this past year after a fairly strong showing as a rookie in 2006. That year he had 157 carries for 677 yards (4.3 avg) and 8 touchdowns along with 20 receptions. This past year, he appeared in only 5 games, rushing for 3 yards on 6 carries with 1 catch. He'll turn 25 in April, and was an undrafted free agent in 2006 out of Arizona.

Falcons interested in Rogers?

As part of their Combine blog, Draft Daddy.com is reporting that the Falcons are one of several teams interested in acquiring Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Rogers is currently being shopped by the Lions. DraftDaddy even mentions that there's a possibility of the Falcons swapping disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall for Rogers. According to the Detroit Free Press, cornerback is a position that the Lions are expected to upgrade this off-season. ESPN reports that at least five or six teams are interested in Rogers. MLive.com reports that the Lions would prefer to deal Rogers to an AFC team.

Rogers will turn 29 in March, and is coming off a season in which he recorded 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and an interception. Standing 6'4" 340 pounds, he's known both for his abilities as a pass rusher and run stopper. Rogers is slated to have a base salary of $4.25 million in 2008.

No trades can occur until February 29, the same day that free agency opens.

Falcons show interest in free agents

Draft Daddy.com reports that the Falcons could be pursuing free agents such as quarterback Billy Volek and offensive tackle Flozell Adams. They also have reported that six additonal teams are reportedly interested in cornerback DeAngelo Hall, not just the New York Giants, as reported beforehand. According to their source, the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in Hall.

Volek is a free agent for the San Diego Chargers. The Falcons attempted to sign Volek back in 2004, but he opted to return to the Tennessee Titans. In 2006, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers. This past season, he only appeared in 5 regular season games, completing 3 of 10 passes for only 6 yards and an interception. But had a notable performance during the playoffs when he came in against the Indianapolis Colts, and completed 3 of 4 passes for 48 yards, as he helped the Chargers secure that victory.

Adams was voted to the Pro Bowl this past season, marking the fourth time in the past five years he has achieved that. He was originally a 2nd round draft pick with the Dallas Cowboys in 1998, and has started 146 games for the Cowboys, most of which came at left tackle.

Giants could be seeking Hall

Mike Garafolo of the Star-Ledger reports that the New York Giants are showing interest in possibly trading for Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Garofalo cites two sources with knowledge of preliminary discussions between the two teams, and indicates that the Giants are willing to part ways with their first round draft pick, the 31st pick overall, in exchange for Hall. Previous reports indicate the Falcons are actively exploring trade options with Hall.

Hall may want out of Atlanta

DeAngelo Hall has called into question his future with the team per an AP report. Hall indicates that he does not want to be part of a losing team next season, implicitly saying that he may demand a trade if he and the new coach do not mesh well.

Hall had his share of run-ins with Bobby Petrino during his time with the Falcons, and was one of the more outspoken critics of Petrino upon his departure. Hall even indicated a week ago to the AJC that with Petrino gone, he would be much more open to stay with the Falcons. Hall's contract is set to expire following the 2008 season, and he's been outspoken about his desire to receive a large contract in the past. It was rumored that Hall asked to be traded this past October, but those rumors were later dispelled.

Hall's most recent "outburst" could be linked over his displeasure at the team targetting Bill Parcells to take over football operations. In the AP report, Hall's statements imply that he would prefer a coach much more akin to former Falcons head coach Jim Mora in being much more approachable than Petrino was, and Parcells is said to be.

Hall asked to be traded

Jason Cole Yahoo! Sports reports that cornerback DeAngelo Hall asked the Falcons to trade him last week, and that the team denied his request.

Hall was benched for the first quarter of the team's victory over the Houston Texans following incidents during the Panthers game last week. He was also fined $100,000 and said earlier this week that he planned on appealing that punishment.

The relationship between Hall and head coach Bobby Petrino has been reported as less than cordial. Hall indicated that it had been rocky from the start when Petrino was hired back in January.

Hall is signed through the 2008 season. Hall indicated this summer that he was looking forward to when his contract expired in order to seek a large contract similar to the $80 million deal that cornerback Nate Clements signed with the San Francisco 49ers this past March.

The deadline for when teams are allowed to make trades is Tuesday, October 16.

UPDATE: On Monday, the AJC's Steve Wyche dispelled the rumors that Hall asked to be traded. Indicating that the rocky relationship between Hall and the team has been somewhat reconciled.

Falcons trade Rossum to Steelers

The Falcons traded cornerback/return specialist Allen Rossum to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 2008 draft pick. The condition is likely dependent on Rossum being on the Steelers roster on opening day.

Rossum has spent the past five seasons with the Falcons and is the team's all-time leader in both kickoff and punt return yards. He has averaged 11.0 and 22.0 yards on punt and kickoff returns, respectively as a Falcon, contributing a total of 3 scores. He also has 7 games defensively, recording 67 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions in that span.

This trade leaves the Falcons with one roster position to fill before the start of the regular season next Sunday.

Falcons angling for QB trade?

Although it's still unknown if the knee injury that D.J. Shockley suffered on Friday night's preseason win over the Buffalo Bills will sideline him for the entire season, the AJC's Steve Wyche reports that there may have been preliminary discussion about the Falcons acquiring another quarterback before the start of the regular season.

Shockley's initial prognosis indicated a sprained left knee, but an MRI taken on Saturday (the results of which have not been revealed) and a Sunday consultation with team trainers and doctors will determine his future.

Wyche reports that the Falcons have had preliminary trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles in potentially acquiring veteran Kelly Holcomb. Holcomb was a backup in Buffalo the past few years before being traded to Philadelphia this past off-season. He has been the subject of rampant trade rumors this summer due to a glut of quarterbacks in Philly.

Previous rumors proposed that the Falcons could potentially be interested in Washington Redskins backup Mark Brunell and former Denver Broncos Jake Plummer, both of whom have previously worked with head coach Bobby Petrino. Although an injury to Redskins starter Jason Campbell might end any talk of Brunell being moved. Coincidentally, Campbell suffered a sprained left knee in the Redskins preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.

Falcons looking to move up in the draft?

Pro Football Talk indicates from an unnamed source that the Falcons are among a few teams actively in talks with the Detroit Lions above potentially swapping picks at the top of the draft. The Lions hold the No. 2 overall pick, while the Falcons hold the No. 8 pick.

The report says that the Lions are interested in moving down in the draft, and would like to get a deal done before draft day on April 28. Also reported is that the Lions could potentially select a player and then subsequently trade him away. The report indicated the most likely player would be Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Based on the widely distributed generic trade value chart, in order to properly compensate the Lions for the No. 2 overall pick the Falcons would need to include their first, both seconds, and their third round picks.

Rumored interest between the Falcons and Johnson has been speculated on and reported on throughout the off-season. But the sincerity of that interest is unknown at this time.

O'Neal trade unlikely?

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports that any Falcon trade for Deltha O'Neal is unlikely at this point, mainly due to the Bengals desire to keep the seven-year veteran. This contrasts previous reports that indicated that the deal might be close.

The Bengals plan to promote second-year cornerback Jonathan Joseph into Tory James's vacant starting position, and want an experienced veteran to start opposite him. Although if a deal that ships O'Neal out of Cincinnati were to occur, the Bengals have a contingency plan of moving free safety Madieu Williams to his vacant position.

O'Neal trade could happen soon

Matt Miller of New Era Scouting reports that the potential trade between the Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals for cornerback Deltha O'Neal could happen soon. Miller reports that the likely compensation for the Bengals would be a third round pick.

Earlier this month, O'Neal pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless driving stemming from a drunken driving arrest in December. O'Neal pleaded not guilty to the drunk driving charge. For his guilty plea, O'Neal was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence, 3 years' probation, was fined $250, and donated $1000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. His driver's license was also suspended for six months from the date of his arrest, but is allowed to drive to and from work.

Falcons interested in O'Neal

Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that the Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals have begun trade discussions for cornerback Deltha O'Neal.

O'Neal had a down year in 2006, partly limited by injury. He finished with 37 tackles and 1 interception, a significant decrease from his '05 season in which he had 65 tackles and tied for the league lead with 10 interceptions.

This would mark the second time that O'Neal would be traded in his career. He was traded to the Bengals in 2004 from the Denver Broncos after four disappointing years there. Over his career, O'Neal has appeared in 100 games, recorded 309 tackles and 31 interceptions. He has also returned 2 punts and 1 kickoff for touchdowns.

The 30-year old cornerback is noted for his ballhawking skills and speed, two traits he would share in common with potential new teammate DeAngelo Hall.

The Falcons showed interest in Detroit Lions cornerback Dre' Bly earlier in the off-season, but Bly was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos. Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino recently indicated that second-year player Jimmy Williams is slated as the starter opposite Hall as of today, but it's clear from the team's reported interest in O'Neal that they are not averse to more help.

Falcons move up in draft as part of Schaub trade

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that not only will the Falcons receive the Texans second round pick in this year's draft, but also their second round pick in 2008, and the teams will swap first round picks. The Texans currently pick 8th in the draft, while the Falcons pick 10th.

Although the trade has been agreed upon by both teams, it will only be finalized once the Texans reach a contract agreement with Schaub. Currently, Schaub is under a one-year restricted free agent tender of $2.35 million.

The acquisition of two draft picks, gives the Falcons a total of eight this year, and eight next year. The Texans second round selection is the 39th overall, and the Falcons still have the 44th overall pick in that round. The possibility now stands that the Falcons could potentially package those two second round picks with their first round selection to move up as high as the third overall pick, based off the generic trade value chart found on many draft sites.

It has been rumored that the team is interested in moving up to acquire Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson.

Schaub dealt to Texans

In today's Houston Chronicle, John McClain reported that the Texans were in the midst of working out a deal to acquire Matt Schaub. NFL.com's Adam Schefter adds that the deal will be done by the end of the day, and the Texans will surrender at least a second round pick for the fourth-year passer.

Rumors of Schaub being traded have persisted since last off-season. Despite only starting two games thus far in his NFL career, Schaub had performed relatively well. It has been rumored that several teams have been interested in his services, including the Texans, Browns, and Raiders this off-season.

Schaub will have the opportunity to replace Texans passer David Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002. Carr has struggled since entering the league, and has a record of 22-53 as a starter and a career passer rating of 75.5.

Schaub's departure makes way for backup D.J. Shockley to assume the No. 2 spot. Shockley was a seventh round pick last season, although it's been rumored by various sources that the Falcons may also seek to add a veteran between now and the summer.

This trade also shows a vote of confidence from new coach Bobby Petrino to incumbent starter Michael Vick. Rumors of a potential quarterback controversy have been brewing in Atlanta since Petrino took over. It was said that for that reason, it was unlikely that the Falcons would trade Schaub.

Falcons looking at Mare

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Falcons are potentially in talks with the Miami Dolphins to acquire kicker Olindo Mare via trade. Other teams that may also be potential destinations for Mare are the Browns, Saints, and Giants according to Harvey Fialkov's article.

The Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely a week ago, which made Mare's departure a sure thing. However his departure from Miami has been expected for some time after coming off a career low season in which he connected on only 72.2% of his 36 field goals. He missed a career high 10 field goals. He's a career 80.9% field goal kicker, but has only matched or exceeded that total once since 2001, which came in 2005 when he connected on 83.3% of his field goals. Despite being unspectacular as a field goal kicker, Mare is one of the top kickoff guys in the league. He led the league in touchbacks last season.

Although kickoffs has not been much of an issue with the Falcons since Michael Koenen took over those duties in 2005. Koenen finished fifth in the league in terms of touchbacks last season.

Although Mare's field goal kicking has been ordinary in recent years, he has managed to connected on nearly 90% of his kicks indoors throughout his career, making 24 of 27 indoor kicks.

How serious the Falcons are in acquiring Mare is unknown. Last year, kicking duties were handled by 46-year old Morten Andersen. Andersen proved successful, making 87% of his field goals. But he had an obvious lack of leg strength, and the team deferred to Michael Koenen often when kicks were beyond 45 yards. Mare, however has the leg strength to kick from beyond 50, having made half of his 20 attempts from that range over the past five seasons. Currently, among the teams in potential trade talks, the Giants and Falcons are the only ones without a proven kicker on the roster.

Falcons may be interested in Bly

Recent reports indicate that the Atlanta Falcons may attempt to acquire two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Dre' Bly. Bly has spent the past four seasons with the Detroit Lions, and he and his agent were given recent permission by that organization to seek a trade.

Over the weekend, NFL.com's Adam Schefter reported that Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall had begun lobbying the team's front office in order to acquire Bly. Hall and Bly are close friends that grew up in the same hometown of Chesapeake, VA.

Lee Rasizer, of the Rocky Mountain News has reported that the Denver Broncos may be another team interested in Bly. Rasizer's report suggests that the Lions could be seeking a third round pick as compensation for Bly.

Bly will have a $4.2 million base salary in 2007. Any team that acquires him would have that salary added to their 2007 salary cap. Various sources have reported on the status of the Falcons cap space in 2007. John Clayton of ESPN.com has reported that it may be as low as $3.8 million. If that is the case, then it means that if the Falcons were to attempt to acquire Bly, they would need to restructure contracts and/or release veterans.

A veteran of eight years, Bly was originally a second round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 1999. After four years in St. Louis, he signed a lucrative contract with the Lions in 2003. He has 33 career interceptions, 5 of which he has returned for touchdowns. Last season, he finished the year with 54 tackles and 3 interceptions.

Falcons deny trade rumors

Not surprisingly, the Falcons released a statement on Tuesday denying any possible rumors of trading starting quarterback Michael Vick.

In the report by WXIA-TV, a spokeswoman for the Falcons said, "There are no plans to cut or trade Vick. Michael is our quarterback. He has a new head coach who is anxious to start working with him this season. Everyone has high expectations for Michael, including Michael."

The statement was released likely in contrast to recent internet rumors that the Oakland Raiders are preparing to make the Falcons an offer for their recently maligned quarterback. No such press releases or statements have been heard from the Raiders, whose recent attention has been centered on their new coaching hire, Lane Kiffin.

The Falcons own new coach, Bobby Petrino, gave Vick a vote of confidence during his introductory press conference, declaring that Michael Vick was currently the team's starter.

Vick's first meeting with Petrino occurred this weekend, following his infamous incident in Miami International Airport.

Vick traded to Raiders?

Foxsports.com's Ben Maller first reported in the NFL Rumors section of the website on Monday that the Oakland Raiders are interested in trading for Michael Vick. According to that report, the Raiders would part ways with receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter along with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft in order to acquire Vick.

The timing of this rumor is interested in the sense that it comes shortly after it was first reported that Vick would be exonerated of any wrongdoing in his infamous incident at Miami International Airport, in which he was accused of carrying a concealment device in a water bottle. And it also comes shortly before the Raiders announced that USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would take over the team as the NFL's youngest head coach at age 31. Any such move, would likely involve the Raiders new coach being on board.

Trading Vick would invoke an approximate cap hit of over $20 million in dead money for the Falcons if such a deal would be made.

Also, the Falcons had an opportunity to acquire Moss back in 2005 when he first landed in Oakland. Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated personally to Moss that his proclivity for negative attention from the media would cause the Falcons to not pursue him.