The Free Agency (So Far) UPDATE 3/16/2009

While none of the moves the Alanta Falcons have made so far in the free agency are as flashy as say, the Washington Redskins, they still can have the same amount of impact if not more. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at what Dimitroff and company have done so far in this year's free agency.

1. Mike Peterson: The former Jags linebacker was signed to a two year deal with the Falcons recently. Having played in Jacksonville under head coach Mike Smith while he was the Jags defensive coordinator, Peterson seems like a good fit for the Falcons defensive scheme. He is a versatile backer that will have the ability to fill holes on either the strong or weak side which were recently opened by the departure of backers Keith Brooking, who signed with Dallas recently, and Michael Boley, who signed with the Giants.
   
2. L.J. Smith: Though the details are sparse at best at this time, the one thing that is apparent is that free agent tight end L.J. Smith has decided to don the red and black and join the Atlanta Falcons. Adding Smith to the Falcons' already high powered offense would greatly bolster Quarterback Matt Ryan's options on gameday. Smith was productive with his former team, the Philidelphia Eagles, though he struggled with injuries last season. The addition of a pass catching tight end can only yield positive results for the Falcons as it adds yet another weapon to Matty Ice's arsenal. UPDATE (It seems that the AJC is reporting that the Falcons and L.J. Smith could not agree to terms and that the Falcons will not be signing Smith.)
   
3. Brett Romberg: Depth and versatility are two things that the Falcons' front office look for in their free agent signings. This is why the signing of former Rams center, Brett Romberg, seems like a good fit for the Falcons. Romberg joined the Rams in 2006 after playing for the Jags. He is a versatile lineman who can back up current starting center, Todd McClure, or play guard if needed. Depth at the offensive line postions is always a good thing, and it looks like the Falcons' front office knows that this is an intergral part of building a winning team.