Atlanta Falcons give original-round tender to Robert McClain
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons desperately need to make an upgrade over missed tackles machine Thomas DeCoud at free safety, but the rest of their secondary is shaping up nicely. Desmond Trufant was an absolutely revelation as a rookie, William Moore is locked in at strong safety, and Robert Alford is a very promising young corner opposite from Trufant. The Falcons also have a decent enough slot corner in Robert McClain, and he’ll be around for at least one more season.
USA Today’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Falcons have tendered McClain, who is their only restricted free agent and was a no-brainer to tender. As expected, he is receiving an original-round tender, meaning that he will make $1.431 million and could be had for a mere seventh-round pick.
Even though his price tag for poaching is low, I highly doubt other teams would want to snatch away the Falcons nickel corner. He’s a nice player, but he’s not the kind of guy who gets stolen away in RFA, The 25-year-old recorded 65 tackles and five passes defended last year after defending ten passes and recording 61 tackles in 2012. He was excellent in ’12, and he should continue to be a quality slot corner for the Falcons.