The Falcons are getting ready for free agency by opening up some more cap space.
Cornerback Dunta Robinson has restructured his contract to give the Falcons a little more money to spend come March 13th. Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com reports that Robinson, who signed a six-year deal with the team in 2010, will waive a $3 million option bonus while also lowering his base salary for 2012 by $1 million. In return, Robinson’s $5 million base salary will be fully guaranteed and his base salaries will rise in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The end result is $1.75 million more in cap room for the Falcons this year.
That money could be used to help make Robinson a more effective player if the Falcons use it to bring in pass rushing help. Robinson did not have a very good season in 2011, but an uptick in pass rushing would make his job much easier. Mario Williams is the top guy on the market and he’d make a nice replacement for John Abraham, expected to depart as a free agent, at defensive end.
The money could also be used to shore up the offensive line or to ensure that the Falcons don’t lose middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, two things which would benefit the team in general more than Robinson specifically. Whatever route the Falcons plan to go, they’ve now got a little more money to use to help them achieve their goal.
