The Atlanta Falcons received $200 million in NFL G-4 financing for a new stadium to replace the Georgia Dome. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons have been approved for $200 million in G-4 stadium financing. The team’s owner and chairman, Arthur Blank issued a statement making the announcement on Tuesday morning:

“Today’s approval by the NFL team owners is an important milestone in moving the new stadium project forward.

“The NFL has supported new stadium construction through various means for decades.  Our club owners understand that investments such as G-4 financing are important to the long-term strength of the league, and we thank them for their support.

“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s vote, and we look forward to continued progress in designing and constructing the new multi-purpose stadium over the next four years.”

The team’s current stadium, the Georgia Dome, opened in 1992 and cost $350 million (in present-year dollars) to build.

Free agent defensive end John Abraham and the Tennessee Titans could come to agreement on a contract by the end of this week, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

Abraham, who turned 35 on Monday, stirred speculation that he was considering retiring after sending some cryptic-sounding tweets out last weekend, but that speculation was quickly debunked in a report on NFL.com.

Since his release from the Atlanta Falcons, Abraham has made visits to the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks.

Abraham played in all 16 games last season, but cut back on his in-game workload in an attempt to stay healthy for the entirety of the season. He finished the season with 10 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Titans are discussing the possibility of signing former Falcons DE John Abraham to a deal that could be done this week.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 6, 2013

The new Atlanta Falcons stadium could look liks this. (Photo courtesy of Georgia World Congress Center)

The Atlanta Falcons have big plans for the future and that includes a proposed stadium that could compete with Cowboys Stadium as the most innovative.

On Tuesday, 360 Architecture, the company that is designing the yet-unbuilt, unnamed stadium released some concept art and fans are surely going to love seeing Falcons games in the near future.

The Falcons have played in the Georgia Dome since the 1992 season and hosted the Super Bowl at the end of the next season.

Among some of the features:

Seats that vibrate after every big hit and a bar that stretches the entire length of the football field. Also included in the stadium might be what’s called a ’Fantasy Football Lounge’ and from the art it looks like a futuristic electronics store. The stadium would also have a retractable roof.

Nothing has been finalized and the stadium would open in time for the 2017 season and be located near the Georgia Dome.  The same company helped designed MetLife Stadium, the site of next season’s Super Bowl.

360 Architecture showed off two stadium designs when they made their bid to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority on Monday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said he is 100 percent sure 2013 will be his last season. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said he was “95 percent” sure that 2012 would be his last in the NFL.

He went with the five percent last month and agreed to a two-year deal worth $14 million with $7 million guaranteed.

On Friday, Gonzalez raised the number saying that he is now 100 percent sure that 2013 will be his last season, reports ProFootballTalk.

The future Hall of Famer was a first-team All-Pro selection last year, catching 93 passes for 930 yards and eight touchdowns.

Gonzalez, 37, holds NFL records for most career receiving yards, most career receptions and career touchdown receptions for a tight end.

From Pro Football Talk:

Gonzalez still admitted that he’s “a little tempted” to try to break Jerry Rice’s all-time receiving record.  With 1,242, the greatest tight end of all time is only 307 catches behind the greatest receiver of all time.

And by rattling off so quickly that it would take four years to break Rice’s record, it’s clear that Gonzalez has done the basic math.  He has caught 326 passes during his first four seasons with the Falcons, and at that rate it would take four more to beat Rice.

Free agent Osi Umenyiora signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth $8.5 million (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons and free-agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora agreed to a two-year deal Wednesday, reports FoxSports.com.

The deal is worth $8.5 million, with a maximum value of $12 million and includes $5 million in guaranteed money.

Umenyiora, 31, spent the first nine seasons of his career with the New York Giants helping the team win two Super Bowl Championships.

“There was nothing better than to be able to win (in New York),” Umenyiora said last week, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ”The only thing I can think of that would be better than being able to win in New York would be to be able to win here in Atlanta. We’ll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it works out in a positive direction.”

He also recorded 75.5 sacks and 13 fumble recoveries in his time in New York and finished with 43 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles last season.

Free agent Osi Umenyiora will reportedly sign with the Atlanta Falcons.(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons will sign free agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora tomorrow or Monday, reports Profootballtalk.com.

Umenyiora, 31, lives in Atlanta during the offseason. The length of a contract and financial terms were not reported. The Falcons released John Abraham earlier in the offseason creating a need for a pass-rushing defensive end.

“The only thing I can think of that would be better than being able to win in New York would be to be able to win here in Atlanta,” Umenyiora said, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’ll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it works out in a positive direction. From afar, I’ve never seen a team that has this much talent, especially offensively with the weapons that they have out wide and a great quarterback … and they added Steven Jackson, one of the best running backs in football.”

Umenyiora spent nine seasons with the New York Giants recording 75.5 sacks and helping the team win two Super Bowl championships.

The Falcons reportedly re-signed left tackle Sam Baker. (Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons made sure they are continuing protection for their franchise quarterback Matt Ryan by re-signing left tackle Sam Baker on Tuesday night, according to multiple reports.

No financial terms were disclosed. Baker was part of an offensive line that ranked 15th in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Baker, in his sixth NFL season, started all 16 games for the Falcons last season for only the second time in his career. He has started 57 of the 66 games he has appeared in. There were numerous reports that the Miami Dolphins were interested in Baker’s services.

Sam Baker re-signs with #Falcons, @FOXSports.com has learned. Story coming ASAP—
Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 13, 2013

The greatest pass-catching TE in league history is mulling a return. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Rumors have swirled all offseason that veteran Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is seriously considering retirement after a 16-year career, but those plans may be put on hold according to a new report.

Sources close to the Falcons have told Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports they are “cautiously optimistic” Gonzalez will return for the 2013 season.

Sources close to Gonzalez, an unrestricted free agent, said he is contemplating a return at the right price, provided he can miss some or all of training camp this summer.

“He will come back if they pay him $7 million and he doesn’t have to do training camp,” said one Falcons player familiar with Gonzalez’s thinking.

The same sources tell Silver such conditions wouldn’t keep Atlanta from making a deal to bring Gonzalez back. The Falcons decided to bring back safety William Moore recently, so they don’t seem to be looking for cap relief like several other teams around the league.

Gonzalez, the second-leading receiver in NFL history, had a very productive 2013 season, catching 93 passes for 930 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Falcons and mayor of Atlanta have reached an agreement about a new stadium to replace the 21-year-old Georgia Dome. (Ken Levine/Getty Images)

Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed reached an agreement about the construction of a new stadium, reports NBC Sports. The new stadium will cost an estimated $1 billion; the city will pay $200 million. The city said the $200 million would come from taxes on hotel rooms rather than from Atlanta residents.

“I am pleased that we reached an agreement that will ensure the Atlanta Falcons remain in the heart of our city for many years to come and will lead to revitalization of some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods,” Reed said to FOX Atlanta.

The Falcons still need to get the approval of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the Fulton County Commission and the Atlanta City Council for plans to move forward. But obtaining the Mayor’s backing was the biggest hurdle, and it is likely the other organizations will follow suit.

UPDATE: The Falcons have announced the release of John Abraham, Dunta Robinson and Michael Turner.

The release of Turner and Abraham reportedly would free up an additional $10.4 million in cap space.

Turner, 31, has long been rumored to be among the Falcons’ cap casualties. A 2008 escalator clause and 2010-11 performance incentives increase Turner’s 2013 base salary from $5.5 million to $6.9 million. The team’s net salary cap gain would be $4.4 million if he’s released. The running back’s production fell off in 2012 when he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry while rushing for 800 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

Abraham, 34, is under contract for another two years at $4.25 million and $3.25 million. He’s been the Falcons’ best pass rusher in the last six seasons including 10 sacks in 2012, but has been mentioned as a possible cap casualty.

Robinson, 30, has been speculated as a candidate to be released with $3 million due in mid-March and $8 million in pay for 2013. The Falcons also have high-priced Asante Samuel among their corps of cornerbacks.

The Falcons today have released veterans Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson and John Abraham.—
  (@Atlanta_Falcons) March 01, 2013

Major moves in ATL: Falcons are releasing CB Dunta Robinson, RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham today.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 01, 2013

Steven Jackson will void the final year in his contract and become a free agent. Atlanta may be his next destination. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Rams running back Steven Jackson may end up in Atlanta, according to Jim Thompson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Jackson plans to void the final year of his contract and thus become a free agent for the first time in his career. The Falcons appear to be likely suitors:

One of the most likely suitors is Atlanta, which according to reports plans to release veteran back Michael Turner. When you’re as close to the Super Bowl as the Falcons, it makes sense adding a veteran running back — even if he has only a couple of more years left — to get you over the top.

Turner, 31, rushed for 800 yards (13.9 yards per game) with 10 touchdowns; Jackson, 29, had 1,042 rushing yards last season and four touchdowns.

The Rams are still talking to Jackson’s agent about a new deal to keep in him St. Louis, but no numbers have been exchanged thus far.

The Falcons are likely to release veteran running back Michael Turner, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.

A 2008 escalator clause and 2010-11 performance incentives increase Turner’s 2013 base salary from $5.5 million to $6.9 million. The team’s net salary cap gain would be $4.4 million if he’s released.

Turner’s production fell off in 2012 when he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry while rushing for 800 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

Falcons are likely to release running back Michael Turner, who is scheduled to make $6.9 million this season.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2013

Not done yet? The Falcons are reportedly lobbying Tony Gonzalez to play one more season. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons aren’t sold on tight end Tony Gonzalez’s retirement talk just yet.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff told ESPN.com on Thursday that he has been trying to talk Gonzalez into playing one more season for the team.

“A guy who is 36 catching 100-plus balls (including the postseason), it just doesn’t seem like it’s time for him to move on,” Dimitroff told ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas.

Gonzalez said toward the end of the season that he was “95 percent” sure he was retiring. He said after the Falcons’ NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers that he would “probably” retire.

“Tony’s a man and he’s got to make his own decision,” Dimitroff said. “Suffice it to say that it’s not going to be an easy decision for him one way or another because he knows that he still has fuel in the tank and it’s very legitimate fuel in the tank.”

At 36, Gonzalez remained an extremely productive tight end last season, catching 93 passes for 930 yards and eight touchdowns. The 930 yards put him third among NFL tight ends, and he finished fourth among tight ends with the eight touchdown receptions.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank has experienced resistance for new stadium funding from some Georgia politicians. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons are the latest NFL team linked to a possible move to the Los Angeles market, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly told Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed and other officials that Los Angeles leaders have approached him about moving the franchise to Southern California.

Gov. Nathan Deal expressed concern Tuesday.

“It’s incumbent on us to make sure we don’t lose the franchise,” Deal said.

“What it does is emphasize the fact that having a major football team like the Atlanta Falcons is a sought-after commodity,” Deal said. “I recognize that fact.”

Deal did not tie Blank’s report to his team’s negotiations with the state on financial incentives toward construction of a new $1 billion stadium. The city of Atlanta may also be drawn into financial talks if the state’s package does not suit the team. Deal credited Blank with not yet threatening to move the Falcons.

“Arthur Blank has never played that card, and I give him credit for that,” said Deal, who added that “I have not had any direct conversations about this.”

While Deal has supported dedicating $300 million in hotel tax revenue in a partnership with the team, he is still calling on the team to carry a substantial load. Blank is on the record desiring a new downtown stadium, but some Georgia legislators have publicly protested the concept of any public financing for the new stadium.

Matt Ryan will miss the Pro Bowl with a shoulder injury. (Streeter Lecka, Getty Images)

Fresh off a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC CHampionship game, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan now has an injury to recover from.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Ryan suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder later in the game against the 49ers on Sunday. Falcons coach Mike Smith said Ryan would have played in the Super Bowl in two weeks time had the Falcons defeated the 49ers, but that the quarterback will not play in this Sunday’s Pro Bowl. Recovery from an AC joint injury usually takes around four weeks.

Ryan completde 30 out of 42 passes for 396 yards in Sundays game, a total that included three touchdown throws and one interception.

Late in Sunday night’s loss against the 49ers, Matt Ryan sustained a hit that caused him obvious pain. He was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Ryan was scheduled to undergo an MRI prior to the diagnosis.

The injury didn’t appear to affect Ryan in his final plays of the game. Given that an AC joint sprain is a relatively common injury, Ryan won’t need surgery and will have enough time to recover in the off-season.

Ryan completed 30 of 42 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday night’s NFC Championship loss.

Update on Matt Ryan: Sprained AC joint in left shoulder. No surgery needed. Falcons now waiting to see if he still needs an MRI Monday.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2013

A fan was stabbed outside the Georgia Dome after the Atlanta Falcons lost in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports.

WSB-TV in Atlanta reported that a fan was stabbed in the neck and brought to a local hospital:

A witness told Channel 2′s Rachel Stockman a Falcons fan, who was upset about the team’s loss, began arguing with a 49ers backer in the silver lot outside Gate D. The argument turned violent when the Falcons fan punched the 49ers fan, who then pulled out a knife.

Fox 5 News in Atlanta reported that friends of the victim did not immediately have any update on his condition.

The station also tweeted pictures of police clearing the area outside the Georgia Dome where the incident occurred:

Witnesses say that a man’s throat was slit after the Falcons game at the Georgia Dome. Still gathering more… twitter.com/FOX5Atlanta/st…

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) January 21, 2013

Police are clearing the area around the Georgia Dome to investigate the incident where a man had his throat slit. twitter.com/FOX5Atlanta/st…

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) January 21, 2013

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons fell just short of a trip to Super Bowl XLVII. But on the strength of perhaps the best season in his five-year career, the Falcons are prepared to reward Ryan with a hefty new contract heading into next season, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported on Sunday.

When the Falcons drafted Ryan third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, they gave him a six-year, $66 million deal. He is set to enter into the final year of his rookie contract in 2013 and is scheduled to be paid $10 million.

Our @jayglazer says the #FALCONS have had internal discussions about rewarding @m_ryan02 with a huge new contract #NFCCHAMPIONSHIP

— FOX SPORTS: NFL (@NFLONFOX) January 20, 2013

The 27-year-old Ryan set numerous personal career highs this season — completion percentage (68.6 percent), passing yards (4,719), passing touchdowns (32) and quarterback rating (99.1). He also led the Falcons to the best record in the NFC this season.

Overall, Ryan has guided the Falcons to the playoffs in four of his first five seasons under center. He also presided over the franchise’s first playoff win in the era in dramatic fashion last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

There’s no telling what kind of contract Ryan would be looking for, but Glazer reported that the Falcons were set to offer a “mega-deal.” Most of Ryan’s stats put him among the top five NFL quarterbacks.

The Atlanta Falcons want a new stadium but are hitting political snags. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A proposed new $1 billion stadium for the Atlanta Falcons is hitting snags and politicians are asking Falcons owner Arthur Blank to cut his request for public funding by $100 million, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Georgia governor Nathan Deal has asked Blank to reduce the asking price for public funding from $300 million to $200 million. The city’s mayor says it could take $200 million to get the stadium project off the ground.

“The Falcons have a strong case in favor of a new stadium, and I think it’s incumbent on them to educate the public on all the facts,” Deal said in a statement Friday.

Other options could include tax breaks or incentives for the project or an attempt to route the bonds through Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, rather than through the state.

The Falcons currently play in the Georgia Dome which was opened in 1992.

Despite re-aggravating his ankle sprain against the Seahawks, John Abraham has promised to play in the NFC Championship game. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Despite his ankle sprain, the Falcons’ defensive end John Abraham has vowed to play against the 49ers.

Abraham left Sunday’s game against the Seahawks early after re-aggravating an ankle sprain. He originally injured his ankle in Week 17 against the Buccaneers when head coach Mike Smith chose to play his starters, despite having the No. 1 seed guaranteed.

Smith says his decision to keep Abraham out against the Seahawks after the defensive end re-injured it was a precautionary move. Abraham was limited in practice last week, and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said Abraham was only at “80 percent” going into Sunday’s game.

Despite  having yet to play fully healthy in the post-season, Abraham has made it clear he intends to start against the 49ers.

“Oh yeah, you know me, you can’t keep me out of that game,” Abraham said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are finalizing terms with Falcons player personnel director Dave Caldwell to become their new general manager, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Caldwell took his name out of contention for the New York Jets GM job, according to Glazer.

Caldwell is finishing his first season as the Falcons’ director of player personnel, working directly with general manager Thomas Dimitroff after spending four seasons as the team’s director of college scouting. Caldwell’s NFL resume also includes 10 years as a scout for the Indianapolis Colts.

Caldwell may draw on his past history working with Mike Mularkey — the former Falcons offensive coordinator — when it comes to deciding Mularkey’s future as the Jaguars head coach.

If the Jaguars fire Mularkey, the NFL Network’s Albert Breer suggested Caldwell might favor hiring 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have tabbed Falcons' Dave Caldwell as their new GM and the two sides are trying to work out a deal—
Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 08, 2013

As @jayglazer reported, Jaguars and Dave Caldwell have agreed to terms on a new contract to make him Jacksonville's new GM.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 08, 2013

Caldwell has already informed the Jets he's pulled his name out of their search as he is negotiating w Jaguars after they tabbed him—
Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 08, 2013

Expect Caldwell to consider 49ers OC Greg Roman, if the Jags fire Mularkey. Plane's taking off now … See you guys in a few.—
Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 08, 2013

Ray Edwards could sign with the Seattle Seahawks. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly expected to announce by end of day Wednesday whether the team will sign defensive end Ray Edwards, who was dropped by the Atlanta Falcons in November, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

Edwards, 27, worked out with the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 3 and then the Seahawks on Dec. 24. As Florio points out, the Seahawks and Falcons could meet in the Divisional round of the playoffs, so Seattle could see Edwards as a source of inside information in the potential match up against his former team.

The Falcons opted to cut him from the team after nine tackles and no sacks through nine games this season.

The Atlanta Falcons have released defensive end Ray Edwards, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported via Twitter Monday night.

Falcons are making a surprise move and releasing DE Ray Edwards, a big free agent pickup couple of years ago

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 13, 2012

The release is somewhat of a shocker, considering Edwards signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the team during the 2011 offseason — including $11 million guaranteed.

Edwards never caught on as the complement to defensive end John Abraham in Atlanta. He had only 3.5 sacks last season, and he had been demoted to a backup role this season. Through the Falcons’ first nine games this year, he had only nine tackles and no sacks.

The Falcons lost their first game of this season on Sunday to the New Orleans Saints, ending their run at an undefeated season.

Roddy White believes the Falcons can go undefeated. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White believes an undefeated season is well in reach.

“I’m hoping so,” White told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, when asked if the Falcons could go undefeated. “I think we have the pedigree to do it.”

“How we are on offense and defense and how we are as a team,” White added. “This locker room is very united right now. Every week, we expect to win. There is not a team that I felt like when we went into a ball game this year that we didn’t feel like we were going to win. I think we can (go undefeated.) We just still have to be consistent, don’t turn over the ball and get turnovers. That’s been the key to winning games all over the league this year. If we can continue to do that, we’ll be just fine.”

The Falcons are halfway through an undefeated season after beating the Dallas Cowboys 19-13 last Sunday night. Their next four games come against teams with no better than a .500 record, after which they will play host to the New York Giants.

The Falcons’ John Abraham was arrested Monday on two counts of obstruction. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham was arrested Monday afternoon in midtown Atlanta on two misdemeanor obstruction charges, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Michael Cunningham reported.

The Journal-Constitution reported that police and firefighters were responding to a call about a woman threatening to jump from a building. Abraham, for unknown reasons, repeatedly declined requests to leave the area and was determined to get closer to the scene of the incident. It was not clear if Abraham knew the woman in question.

The woman did not jump and did not suffer any injuries, the Journal-Constitution reported. Abraham was charged with obstruction of police and obstruction of firefighters.

In three games this season, Abraham has five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Abraham is the second Falcons player arrested in the last week. Around 5 a.m. last Tuesday, running back Michael Turner was arrested on a DUI charge in suburban Gwinnett County, hours after the Falcons beat the Denver Broncos in their Monday Night Football matchup.

“I shouldn’t have been in this situation to begin with,” Turner told reporters last Wednesday. “I’ve got to learn from it.”

The NFL will be cracking down on violators of the ‘Peyton Manning’ rule. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The NFL will reportedly be more inclined to call false starts this season after Atlanta Falcons owner and member of the league’s competition committee Rich McKay said the “Petyon Manning rule” has not been emphasized in recent years, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

“This wasn’t a rule change, this was a point of emphasis this year,” McKay said. “[Simulating a snap] could include a tight end, a running back and, in this case, the point of emphasis was on quarterbacks and their use of thrusting their hands and making quick and sudden movements.

McKay said that a quarterback is not allowed to simulate a play or have any sudden movement at the line of scrimmage, and that it’s at the replacement ref’s discretion to decide when those movements warrant a penalty. He also said that certain quarterbacks, including the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees and the Falcons’ Matt Ryan, would likely be affected by this point of emphasis because of their style of play.

The league took a lax approach to the rule in recent years as a way to let teams communicate in so-called “hostile environments.” But the NFL notified the NFLPA in March that it would be cracking down on those who exploit the rule, and it was communicated again to the players through written statements and footage during training camp:

“We were very focused as a league in allowing quarterbacks to execute the silent count,” McKay said. “What you saw people doing was raising their leg once, then raising their leg twice, and ways to communicate so defenses couldn’t just tee off on the offense. But what happened, you started seeing quarterbacks move their hands forward, and a lot of different things that we sudden movements that were not allowed under our rules.”

Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes is out for the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes is out for the rest of the 2012 season with an Achilles injury, head coach Mike Smith announced at his press conference on Monday.

This offseason, Grimes was tagged as a the team’s franchise player and signed the tender after the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a long-term deal. The one-year deal was reportedly worth $10 million per season.

Grimes had six tackles in the Falcons victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feels has faith in Coach Mike Smith. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank feels “blessed” to have Mike Smith coaching the Falcons and said his head coach of 4 seasons is not on the hot seat.

In a Q&A interview with D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Blank expressed confidence in the “partnership” he shares with Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Q: What about the notion that Coach Mike Smith is on the hot seat?

A: He’s not on any hot seat. Coach Smith, he and Thomas, I particularly feel really blessed – and I don’t use that word every day, all day long – I feel blessed having them both in place … Obviously, we are trying to get to the next level. I have confidence that we’ll be able to do that. I have faith in Smitty … and faith in all of our coaches. I really do.

Smith has earned multiple coach of the year awards while leading the Falcons to a 43-21 record, four consecutive winning seasons and three playoff appearances, but his lack of success in the postseason — 0-3 — has generated speculation that his talented team may need a change if that streak continues this season.

According to The Marietta Daily Journal, Blank, Smith and the Falcons are feeling the pressure — but not panicking — to win a playoff game this postseason.

“The message to the guys is to be a better team this year than we were last year — across the board,” Smith said Tuesday. “If we reach that goal, we’re going to like where we’re at.”

The greatest pass-catching TE in league history plans to retire after the season. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said after Thursday’s training camp practice that he will almost certainly retire after the 2012 season, his 16th in the NFL.

“I would say that I’m 95 percent sure, just in case,” Gonzalez said. “I talked to my family this offseason. I’ve had a great run. I feel pretty good about where I’m at as a player. I just want to make sure that I end at the top.

“I don’t want to be one of those players towards the end — nothing against those guys who’ve done it like that in the past — but I want to make sure that I’m at the top of my game when I do go out.”

The future Hall of Famer, 36, holds every career TE receiving record and is second in league history in career receptions (1,149, behind Jerry Rice’s 1,549) and 11th in receiving yards.

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lofa Tatupu injured a pectoral muscle and could miss the start of training camp. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lofa Tatupu seriously injured a pectoral muscle during a workout Thursday and will probably miss the start of the team’s training camp this week, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday.

The Falcons later reported the news on the team’s official website.

“Lofa sustained a pectoral injury while working out recently,” Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. “At this point, we do not know the extent of the injury, but we expect to have more information early next week.”

The Falcons open training camp on Thursday.

In March, Atlanta signed Tatupu to a two-year, $3.6 million contract. He is expected to compete for the open middle-linebacker spot with second-year linebacker Akeem Dent.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Tatupu will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday to get a clearer picture of the severity of the injury. From the report:

Tatupu’s availability will revolve around whether the pectoral was just strained or if it was ruptured.

If the injury is deemed a grade one strain, he could recover in a few days, according to noted author Jim Brown, who was formerly the editor of Georgia Tech’s Sports Medicine and Performance newsletter. Brown has written 14 books on health, medicine and sports. He contends that a grade two strain could keep a player out two to six weeks. If the injury is ruptured or torn, surgery would be required and full recovery would take months.

Tatupu, 29, hasn’t played since 2010, when he had 88 total tackles, one sack and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown. He thought about retiring this offseason, but eventually decided to play another season with the Falcons.

Former Falcons running back Jamal Anderson, pictured here in 2010, was arrested for DUI Sunday morning near Atlanta.

Jamal Anderson, the former star running back for the Atlanta Falcons, was arrested Sunday morning for drunken driving, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Monday.

The now 39-year-old Anderson was pulled over and arrested by police on Sunday around 4:30 a.m. after he held up traffic by driving too slow, according to the paper’s report. He posted bond later Sunday and was released.

This is not Anderson’s first brush with the law since leaving the NFL. In February 2009, he was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession after an off-duty police officer spotted him snorting cocaine in the bathroom of a club. According to the Journal-Constitution‘s report Monday, those charges were eventually dismissed.

Anderson rose to NFL stardom with Atlanta during the 1998 season, when he led the NFC in rushing and the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 1999. Atlanta lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII that season. He became known for his touchdown celebration dance, which was dubbed the “Dirty Bird.” In 2001, Anderson suffered a career-ending ACL tear.

Anderson is one of more than 100 players that filed suit against the NFL in May for not sufficiently protecting its players against concussions.

The Atlanta Falcons have released fullback Ovie Mughelli, according to the team’s official website.

Mughelli signed a six-year, $18 million deal with the Falcons in 2007. The contract included a $5 million signing bonus, making the deal the largest for a fullback in NFL history at the time.

The Wake Forest alumni was a Pro Bowler for the Falcons in 2010, and was selected as an All Pro in 2006 and 2010.

Last season the 31-year-old appeared in just seven games for the Falcons.

It’s been rumored for the last 24 hours that the Atlanta Falcons were on the verge of acquiring cornerback Asante Samuel from the Philadelphia Eagles, and now it appears to be a done deal. A source tells Bert Breer of the NFL Network that Samuel has restructured his contract to become a Falcon:

Per a league source, Atlanta has agreed to terms on a 3-year, $18.5M deal for Asante Samuel. So trade will likely go through soon.

—
Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2012

Samuel had originally been scheduled to make $21.4 million in 2012 and ’13 with the Eagles, but that money was unguaranteed. Now with the Falcons, he’s much more likely to cash in on the new deal.

Samuel, 31, started 14 games for the Eagles last season. He amassed 34 tackles, one forced fumble and three interceptions.

Asante Samuel’s name has been milling about in offseason trade rumors for weeks now, and yesterday the Atlanta Falcons were rumored to be in the running for the Philadelphia Eagles’ veteran cornerback. Now, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons are on the verge of finalizing a deal.

Samuel would fill a clear need for the Falcons — passing defense has been the team’s clearest weakness during their four years under coach Mike Smith, and Samuel’s ball-hawking tendencies would be a huge asset. The Falcons signed returning corner Brent Grimes yesterday to a one-year, $10.281 million franchise tender, but they’re still looking for more help.

“I think he’s a great player,” Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. “We played against [the Eagles] the last few years, and we saw what he could do. He’s definitely a player that I think would improve anyone’s defense.”

Samuel started 14 games for the Eagles last season, recording 34 tackles, one forced fumble and three interceptions. He has two years left on his contract, but the money is unguaranteed.

The Eagles are reportedly seeking little more than a late draft pick for the 31-year-old Samuel.

The Atlanta Falcons have been involved in talks with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire cornerback Asante Samuel, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Another team to watch jumping into the Asante Samuel trade talk is Atlanta, who has had talks w Philly last couple of days.

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 24, 2012

The Eagles have been attempting to shop the cornerback since the end of the 2011 season to clear salary space. The Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions have also showed interest.

Samuel, 31, has three interceptions and 30 tackles last season in 14 games for the Eagles. His best season came in 2006 when he had 10 interceptions for the New England Patriots.

Over the course of his career he has a total of 45 interceptions, five of which he has returned for a touchdown.