Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 28, 2014 21:28:04 GMT
Falcons add veteran safety Charles Godfrey
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
The Atlanta Falcons made a move Tuesday, but he had nothing to do with the NFL's trade deadline.
The team announced the addition of veteran free safety Charles Godfrey, who was released by the Carolina Panthers last week. The 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pound Godfrey was a third-round pick of the Panthers in 2008. He played in 82 games with Carolina, starting 75. He has 11 career interceptions, including five in 2010.
Godfrey struggled in his move from safety to cornerback with the Panthers, so his release was no surprise. He had two more years left on his contract after 2014.
Godfrey suffered a torn ACL in 2013, which limited him to two games. He turns 29 next month.
The Falcons no doubt are looking for more quality depth at the position, not so much a starter. They released Sean Baker to make room for Godfrey.
The team is happy with the play of Dwight Lowery at free safety. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan also praised strong safety Kemal Ishmael for his tackling, but Nolan knows Ishmael has had issues in coverage.
Promising rookie Dez Southward has made some strides and continues to get more snaps when Nolan turns to a three-safety look. But Nolan didn't indicate Southward would work his way into the starting lineup to give the Falcons a better cover guy.
Godfrey will have a quick reunion with his old teammates when the Falcons travel to Carolina Nov. 16. Ex-Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud now starts for the Panthers.
