Atlanta Falcons

It may be early, but the Falcons rookie corners (@DesmondTrufant & @rockorocky) continue to impress: #RiseUp

Even contract negotiations can apparently cry wolf. We've been hearing about the Falcons making headway and/or closing in on a deal with Matt Ryan for months now, and each time it happens, we wait a month before hearing the same thing again. That's not to say there's anything to be concerned about, because negotiations take time, particularly with a franchise quarterback. The latest report has the talks "casual" right now, more or less just hand-holding and some light petting. Things are expected to heat up after July 4, for reasons that are not made explicit because it's ProFootballTalk. My guess is that there's going to be a little more urgency coming into training camp. It's also possible that there's not any real urgency, and we'll be hearing about talks heating up in August once we get past July 4. Ultimately, the Falcons want to lock Matt Ryan up for the long haul, considering he's the best quarterback in team history and got the Falcons within a couple of plays of a Super Bowl just a year ago. Ryan would like a fat new contract. Something is going to get done. At this point, believe it when it happens.

The Atlanta Falcons and QB Matt Ryan both would like to extend the quarterback's contract, but an agreement has not yet been reached. However, casual talks are ongoing, with the expectation that things will heat up after the July 4 holiday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Huddle Up: Ryan, who hit career highs in passing yards (4,719), TDs (32) and completion percentage (68.6) and finished 5th among fantasy QBs last season, definitely has earned an extension, and look for a deal to get done before training camp.

Is it ever too early to start thinking about starting new fantasy leagues? I don't think so. This year I will be commishing a 10 team, head to head, half point PPR league. It is my very first attempt at my own league. What I want to know is are there any takers? I will stick with ten for this first venture into this realm. First come, first served. The first nine to respond with your email are it. I will send invites as soon as I get the league established. Side note: I work a rotating (DuPont 12) work schedule. So, my available dates for a possible live online draft will be limited. Just giving fair warning here. So....who's in? Is it ever too early to start thinking about starting new fantasy leagues? I don't think so. This year I will be commishing a 10 team, head to head, half point PPR league. It is my very first attempt at my own league. What I want to know is are there any takers? I will stick with ten for this first venture into this realm. First come, first served. The first nine to respond with your email are it. I will send invites as soon as I get the league established. Side note: I work a rotating (DuPont 12) work schedule. So, my available dates for a possible live online draft will be limited. Just giving fair warning here. So....who's in?

VIDEO: @sj39 says he expects quality carries this year. Watch more from the RB here: #RiseUp

Tony Gonzalez, a probable first-ballot Hall of Famer, was announced as the 2013 Good Guy Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America on Tuesday.

It looks like the Pantheon design won over the hearts of the world congress center members. I’m sure everyone has heard the big new Falcons stadium plans and everyone has an opinion.  Recently there were two designs released that were the top of the idea board, The Pantheon and the Solarium.  I was a fan of the Solarium because I really enjoyed the glass walls and the view of the skyline. It was released that the pantheon design will be moving forward and we got to see some more inside on the new stadium designs.  I’m happy to find out that, when open, the city will be just as visible as well as the sky through what appears to be a mostly glass roof. On top of that, there will be cutting edge technology in every corner of the new stadium along with a giant screen lining the edge of roof. There is still a long way to go, but I enjoy the glimpse into what will be the home for the Atlanta Falcons. If you haven’t looked at the new, updated pictures, check it out here: http://newstadium.atlantafalcons.com/ Leave comments with any opinions on the new designs

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the Falcons signing of tight end Colin Cloherty to a two-year contract. Cloherty has played 8 games over the past four seasons since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Brown University. For his career, he has caught 5 passes for 59 yards. He originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2009, playing in their season finale and catching a single pass for 2 yards. In 2010, he played 2 games with San Francisco where he played predominantly on special teams where he had 2 tackles. In 2011, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting 1 games in 4 appearances and catching 4 passes for 57 yards. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt and added 3 stops on special teams. In 2012, he played in the Jaguars’ season opener, but was cut and out of football the rest of the season. Cloherty could add depth at H-back for the Falcons, able to compete for reserve tight end spot in Atlanta. Having experience in Dirk Koetter’s offense, as well as being an adept special teams could potentially give him a leg up over some others competing for a spot behind Tony Gonzalez and rookie Levine Toilolo.

CB Pick_Six warming up #RiseUp

You can't say the Falcons haven't been putting enough bodies on the roster at tight end, especially not after they just signed Colin Cloherty. Cloherty is a practice squad superstar who has bounced between multiple teams, most recently the Jaguars and 49ers, before the Falcons inked him to a two year deal. He's been in the league since 2009 but has never made enough of an impression to hang around for long, but he's still just 25 years old and the Falcons apparently see something they like. Falcons signed former Jaguars and Colts TE Colin Cloherty to a two-year contract, per his agent Sean Stellato. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 18, 2013 The Falcons have made a habit of bringing aboard less-than-highly-regarded talent or players that have flamed out elsewhere and giving them a shot to at least try to stick on the final roster. Given that Tony Gonzalez is only on board for one more year, giving a guy like Cloherty a shot isn't a bad idea. He's shown some special teams value, he has some promise as a pass catcher and he's athletic enough that he should be in the mix for a spot. Nonetheless, it's a bit of an interesting signing, considering the Falcons have a host of UDFA types, Gonzo, rookie Levine Toilolo and Chase Coffman. Your thoughts on the signing?