Falcons could trade up in draft
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Thomas Dimitroff seemed surprised by the suggestion he might not try to make a bold move up from the Falcons’ No. 31 spot in Thursday night’s first round of the NFL draft.
Dimitroff’s pattern is clear. “Trader Tom” is always looking to deal. A Super Bowl appearance isn’t likely to change that.
Dimitroff has made at least one trade in each of his nine drafts as the team’s general manager, usually moving up. It shouldn’t be a surprise if he looks for a way to move up again — possibly as high as the middle of the round.
“Why would we not?” he asked last week.
Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn will be working their third draft together, and it has been a successful relationship. Quinn started four rookies on last year’s defense as Atlanta lost to New England in the Super Bowl. Quinn’s willingness to play rookies has made Dimitroff’s recent drafts look like big hits.
“To play with four rookies is music to our ears as personnel people, because we know we’re going to get young guys in and get them trained well,” Dimitroff said.
Saints, Peterson agree on contract
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints and free-agent running back Adrian Peterson have agreed on a twoyear contract.
The deal means Peterson, a 10-year veteran who has posted seven 1,000yard seasons with Minnesota and once eclipsed 2,000 yards, could become a backup running back on an offense that tends to pass more than run.
Still, Saints coach Sean Payton said Tuesday that he envisions a productive role for Peterson, who is coming back from a 2016 meniscal tear that required season-ending knee surgery after only three games.
“It’s rare and unique to have the opportunity to add a (potential) Hall of Fame player to your roster. His career has been top-notch,” Payton said in a statement provided by the club. “We think he will be an excellent fit in our locker room and in our offense.”
Titans move to keep tackle Lewan
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have picked up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan.
General manager Jon Robinson announced the move Tuesday.
The 11th pick overall in 2014, the 6-foot-7 Lewan helped anchor a much-improved offensive line last season. The Titans ranked third in the NFL in rushing offense and also tied for seventh-fewest sacks allowed with 28 a year after giving up a leagueworst 54 sacks in 2015.
Robinson said he talked with Lewan on Tuesday morning and picking up the option was an easy decision. The general manager says they’ll likely have discussions about a contract extension with someone who did a really nice job for them last season.
The Titans also announced cornerback Bennett Okotcha, who did not report for the offseason program, is retiring.