The Atlanta Falcons have had a relatively eventful offseason and free agency has not even begun yet. After releasing three of the team's aging veterans, they now have cleared cap space to sign free agents. Safety William Moore is one of the upcoming free agents. Instead of testing the market, he hopes to return to the Falcons next season.
Moore had reportedly planned on testing the free agent market to see what kind of large contract he can get. However, recent comments show the Moore really just wants to stay in Atlanta.
"I've had talks with my agents..they are in great negotiations. I hope to get it closed soon. I love the Atlanta Falcons. They have me an opportunity to be blessed and come into the NFL and be a part of this great organization," Moore said.
The strong safety made his first trip to the Pro Bowl after last season. He was hoping to receiver the team's franchise tag but that went to cornerback Brent Grimes who was paid $10.2 million. Moore could have played at $6.9 million if tagged. He does not seem to mind that the Falcons went another direction.
"It's a difficult thing to even sit and think about, but it's a good problem to have at the same time. I've got to be patient," Moore said.
Negotiations between Moore and the Falcons are positive and Moore believes a deal will get done before free agency begins on March 12. His original contract of four years at $3.4 million is coming to an end. This could be Moore's shot at landing a top-market contract after the Falcons cleared cap space. Last year, the Falcons re-signed safety Thomas DeCloud to a five-year $17.5 million deal and Moore is hoping to receive something close to that.
Moore thrived under the Mike Nolan defense. The team is already being considered as possible Super Bowl contenders after having reached the NFC Championship last season, but fell to the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons are rumored to also be attempting to add pass-rusher Dwight Freeney to the defense during free agency. Moore was drafted 55th overall in 2009 by the Falcons and is hopeful things will work out.
