The Atlanta Falcons have been attempting to sign free agent defensive end Richard Seymour for almost a month. The two parties have been in negotiations to try and nail down a deal, but ultimately have not been able to come to an agreement on a contract for the 2013 season. CBSSports.com reports as of now, negotiations are over between Atlanta and Seymour.
While negotiations are not totally dead in the water, talks for now have ended. Seymour appeared to be the perfect fit for the Atlanta Falcons. He has been sitting on the free agent market for some time since getting released by the Oakland Raiders. The Falcons approach to the offseason has been to sign veterans to short-term contracts with a "Super Bowl or nothing" mindset.
Seymour currently resides in Atlanta and is very familiar with the organization. He has ties to the University of Georgia, making it likely that he would aim to stay in the area. His residency alone makes the signing still possible, but Seymour told sources that he thanked the Falcons for trying to sign him, but nothing was happening anymore.
Seymour would have been an excellent addition for the Falcons as they were in the market for a premier pass rusher to add to the interior and improve their run defense. Last season, Atlanta gave up 4.8 yards per carry. Seymour has made the Pro Bowl in both 2010 and 2011, but was hampered by knee and hamstring issues in 2012, decreasing his production and landing him on injured reserve.
At 33-years old, Seymour can still make a strong impact where ever he signs. He is still a potential starter in the league. Atlanta has the free cap space to sign him to a favorable one-year deal, but Seymour is commanding a multi-year contract, something he will not get in the struggle veteran's market.
Atlanta's priorities were not revolving around Seymour, likely hindering the signing process. The team is in the middle of trying to work out a contract extension for quarterback Matt Ryan. He is entering into the final year of his contract and if the Falcons can sign him to deal before training camp, they free up more financial space. If Ryan signs soon, do not count Seymour out.
