CD, film step up game for rapper T.I.

Interview By Sonia Murray of the AJC

Seated in the leather chair in a back corner office of a car shop are at least four young men.

There’s 25-year-old Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., the name used for his Atlanta businesses, including Grand Hustle Records, a construction company called New Finish, the nightspot Club Crucial and Elite Auto Concierge, this low-key customization venture in the northeast metro area.

It’s the name you’d use to find his criminal record, which includes a felony drug conviction.

Also in the chair is the far-better-known hip-hop star T.I., a Grammy nominee who’s sold a million-plus records over his three-album career. Vibe magazine has given him the best street anthem award two years in a row, and the equal parts aggressive and easygoing rhymer hopes to qualify for a third with his new CD release, “King,” in stores Tuesday.

On commercials and posters across the country, you’ll see the name Tip “T.I.” Harris. That’s how he’s credited in his first theatrical release, the Atlanta-based coming-of-age movie “ATL,” in multiplexes this Friday.

And finally, there is Tip, what his friends and family have always called him. And like a true Southerner who thinks the world of his grandmother — even calling her Mother — he tries especially hard in front of visitors to be respectful and charming. And succeeds.

For the guy who goes by all of these monikers, this is the start of the biggest week of his professional life. No wonder he can barely stay seated as he discusses it all:

S.M. In the XXL magazine cover story hitting stands now, you say you want to do what Barbra Streisand and Jennifer Lopez have done — have a No. 1 album and movie in the same week. Do you own a Barbra Streisand album?

T.I. Nope. I’ve got a Jennifer Lopez record.

S.M. Ever seen a Barbra Streisand movie?

T.I. Naw. I’ve seen a Jennifer Lopez movie.

S.M. Which one?

T.I. I’ve seen “Maid in Manhattan” … “Wedding Planner.” Oh — “Out of Sight.” That’s my favorite Jennifer Lopez movie. And “Selena.” That was a wonderful portrayal.

S.M. Describe the character you portray in “ATL.”

T.I. Rashad? He’s a young man in a lot of grown-man situations. And he has to find ways to deal with them. [The movie's] basically a look into the lives of a group of teenagers who live in Atlanta; and their triumphs, their struggles, their ups and downs. Just their transition from adolescence to adulthood and how they deal with it.

S.M. “ATL” was produced by Will Smith’s company. Now that’s a guy who has a totally different hip-hop persona from you. What did you think of him before you met him and what do you think of him now?

T.I. I met Will a long, long, long time ago when me, [music executive] KP and Usher were in Miami working on Usher’s “8701″ album. He took us out. He eats a lot of strange [expletive]. He took us to some place where we didn’t even see a menu.

S.M. Strange like what?

T.I. You know, like, sushilooking-type [expletive]. And raw octopus. But I appreciate the offer though, Will! Will and [his wife] Jada, they really did show us to a nice time. But I passed on the food.

S.M. What are some of the similarities you’ve found between acting and rapping? Will, Ludacris and a lot of other hip-hop stars seem to be successfully making that transition.

T.I. The thing about rapping is what you say is supposed to be the truth. … And acting is fictional.

S.M. But people say you’re both a good rapper and a good actor when you’re believable, right?

T.I. True. But that makes you a good liar in acting. In rapping, it would make you a good truth teller. That’s why I’m reluctant to deal with a young lady who’s successful in acting. You never can tell.

S.M. What about the music and movie industry businesses? How do they differ?

T.I. With music, man, I’ve kind of proven myself. I can kind of call my own shots and run my own show with music. But movies [long pause] … movies are a far more larger production than music.

S.M. With different requirements, right?

T.I. Punctuality being the number one thing. Time is money.

S.M. OK, on to hip-hop. When did you first know you had a gift for rapping?

T.I. Eight. Nine. Even back in the days when people were rapping at the cafeteria table, nobody was better than me. Nobody. Since Grove Park [Elementary School, in northwest Atlanta].

S.M. You were an urban legend even back then, huh? Like your album title. But part of that legend had to have been for what you were doing in the streets of Bankhead. What kind of lessons have helped you as an artist and a businessman?

T.I. You do a bad deal today, tomorrow you can expect to do an even badder deal. If I let a company only give me this much [spreads his thumb and forefinger], when I’m worth this much [spreads his hands wide], the next time I do a deal you can guarantee that word’s gonna circulate: “He’ll do whatever. Settle for whatever.” Your word is your bond. That was another lesson. Don’t count on nobody but yourself. Don’t tell on nobody about nothing. If you owe somebody, pay him.

S.M. How much did you make on the streets?

T.I. [Laughs boisterously, wide-eyed] Why you want to ask me that? I don’t think that’s important. [Brief pause] Tens of thousands — at its height. … I had good days and I had bad days, and they all even out to zero. You know what I’m saying? You’ve got nothing left to show for it.

S.M. Now, as a million-selling rapper, record label executive and movie star, what’s the biggest check you’ve seen?

T.I. [Laughs even harder] I can’t answer that.

S.M. Can you say how many figures it was?

T.I. Eight! Yep … It’s nothing. People are giving away that kind of money all of the time.

S.M. It’s at least $10 million. A big step closer to the $100 million you say in XXL you want to have.

T.I. But it’s like I said: You make money, you spend money. Yes, that is the biggest check I’ve seen, but you have overhead.

S.M. All right, on to another figure … Teen People named you one of its 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 last year. BET included you in its “All Shades of Fine: 25 Hottest Men of the Last 25 Years.” Are you likely to settle down and get married soon?

T.I. Hmm. A lot of people would like to have an answer to that question. I mean, it ain’t that I won’t. But … I ain’t ready to do that yet. … Something will suffer. … I’m already in a relationship now and my relationship suffers. And I’m sorry. But I’m in business with people. I’m in charge of people’s careers. People have given me money.

S.M. So to those “lots of people” who would like to know the answer to that question, you will definitely not be married anytime soon?

T.I. I mean, I can’t say definitely. If I make $100 million on this movie. And this album goes diamond [10 million in sales], then I’m in a whole other position … which will make me more able to settle down.

SM: Settle down? You say yourself, you pace and move all of the time, almost uncontrollably, even as you’ve been sitting here…

T.I. I mean settle down monogamously. … I’m still going to be a ripper and a runner. … Some people sit around and talk about what they want to do and how they wanna do it. Some people get out there and make it happen. I want to be one of those who get out there and make it happen. … I’m going to go and do it!

Popularity: 8% [?]

Ludacris to Guest on Law and Order: SVU

NEW YORK — Rapper-actor Ludacris, real name Chris Bridges, who generated strong buzz for his performances in the Oscar-winning “Crash” and “Hustle and Flow,” is turning to TV for his next dramatic role.

He’ll play rapper-actor Ice T’s nephew in a guest spot on NBC crime drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” Tuesday at 10 p.m. EST.

“When I was approached to work on SVU and read the script, there was no way that I could turn down this amazing opportunity,” Ludacris said in a statement Thursday. “The character was so rich and the storyline so complex, that I knew it was something I had to do.”

In the episode, Ice T’s character, squad detective Fin, is put in a bind when his son becomes a suspect in a double homicide. The case opens a family secret involving Ludacris’ character.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Security warning raised over ATL film

Could a coming-of-age film set at a Southside Atlanta skating rink translate into overtime for mall cops next weekend?

That was the not-so-subtle implication of a memo about the upcoming movie “ATL” that was e-mailed this week to seven shopping centers: Perimeter, Cumberland, Discover Mills, NorthPoint, Oglethorpe, Southlake and Augusta malls.

In the memo, Valor Security Service Perimeter Mall security director W. Mark Crowell warns: “On March 31, the movie ‘ATL’ will be released in theaters. A theater manager at one of our properties has alerted the mall team that this movie could cause potential behavior problems. The movie trailer indicates that themes in the movie include moral choices and narcotics trafficking … Please appropriately prepare your security staffs for the release of this movie.”

Valor provides security for the seven malls.

The PG-13 rated comedy-drama about two orphaned brothers who dream of a better future is set against the social backdrop of Sunday nights at a skating rink.

It is loosely based on the childhoods of Atlanta record producer Dallas Austin and TLC singer Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, who serve as producers.

“ATL” stars Atlanta rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, Mykelti Williamson of “Forrest Gump,” and character actor Keith David, who was in “Crash” and narrated the Ken Burns PBS documentary “Unforgiveable Blackness: The Story of Jack Johnson.”

Warner Bros, the Hollywood studio that produced “ATL,” was quick to defend the film Thursday.

In a statement, the studio said: “‘ATL’ celebrates the vibrant culture of the South, particularly the music and energy that emanates from Atlanta. The story follows a group of teenagers as they overcome challenges and discover the importance of friendship, community and personal integrity.”

Cascade Family Skating owner Greg Alexander, who was on set for most of the filming at his rink last year, said he is familiar with the film’s content and sees no reason for concern.

“I’m in a business where you can’t survive if you acquire a bad name,” Alexander said. “We have the children of some of our original customers coming in now to skate with their families.

“I don’t care how much money someone threw at me, if a film affected my business in a negative way, it would not be shot here.

“Just going by the trailer, maybe someone who is uninformed about certain things might get the wrong idea. They use a lot of the music that the kids like and they show some gold teeth. Maybe someone saw all that, misunderstood and got a little nervous.”

“ATL” is rated PG-13 for drug content, language, sexual material and some violence.

The 1-hour 40-minute film, which was screened for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other media outlets Wednesday, contains occasional flashes of violence, including a shooting and a fight between brothers.

Antwan Andre Patton plays a drug dealer. Patton is best known as “Big Boi,” one half of the Grammy-winning Atlanta pop duo OutKast.

Valor’s Crowell did not return calls for comment Thursday.

David Keating, spokesman for General Growth Properties Inc., the parent company of Cumberland, NorthPoint, Southlake, Oglethorpe, Augusta and Perimeter malls, said the memo was a precaution.

“It certainly wasn’t sent out to discredit the film or anyone associated with it,” Keating said.

“It certainly wasn’t meant to target anyone.”

Keating said his company had “an incident” about five years ago in relation to another film.

He said he did not recall which film it was and declined to elaborate on the incident.

In a prepared statement, General Growth said: “We regret that the e-mail could be read to imply something that we do not condone, and apologize for any unintended offense it may have caused.”

 

Popularity: 3% [?]

Falcons to land John Abraham in three-way deal with Denver Broncos and the NY Jets

The Falcons appear close to landing three-time Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham from the New York Jets but possibly at a much larger price than they initially wanted to pay.

Atlanta has agreed to trade its first-round draft pick, No. 15 overall, to Denver for its first-round choice (29th overall) and later-round selections in the upcoming April draft, according to a person familiar with negotiations.

The Falcons offered the first-round pick it acquired from Denver to New York for Abraham, which was enough for the Jets to agree to finalize the trade.

Once Abraham signs off on a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract agreement he reached with Atlanta last Friday, the sign-and-trade deal will become official and the Falcons will have the player they targeted to replace Brady Smith and improve their marginal pass rush. An announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.

Should the deal go through, the pressure for Abraham to perform could be high though, especially in these parts.

The last time Atlanta surrendered a first-round pick and gave him a big contract came in 2003 for wide receiver Peerless Price, who was coming off a career season in Buffalo. The Falcons, whose coaching staff was different than the one than acquired Price, cut Price last year after failing to live up to expectations of his contract and the forsaken high draft pick.

Atlanta initially balked at surrendering its top choice in next month’s draft or backup quarterback Matt Schaub when the Jets stated that would be the required compensation for Abraham. The Falcons felt a second-round pick was proper compensation. The Jets came close to accepting Atlanta’s offer until Friday, when the Seattle Seahawks offered their first-round pick (No. 31 overall).

When the Jets agreed to ship Abraham to Seattle – a trade that could not be executed because Abraham had to agree to a contract first since he was designated by New York a “franchise player” – Atlanta was forced to increase its bid.

The Falcons are gambling that Abraham’s impact and durability – injuries have cut short three of his six seasons – will provide greater short- and long-term rewards than that of an incoming college player.

With 53 1/2 sacks – 10 1/2 last season – and a reputation that immediately places him among the top-shelf defensive ends in the NFC South, Abraham should alleviate some of the attention paid to left end Patrick Kerney and Pro Bowl tackle Rod Coleman, who had 10 1/2 sacks last season.

Abraham joins free agent Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy and three-year veteran safety Chris Crocker – the Falcons traded their upcoming fourth-round draft pick to Cleveland for Crocker – as acquisitions that addressed the team’s most needy areas.

With last season’s big free-agent pick up, middle linebacker Ed Hartwell, expected back from season-ending Achilles’ tendon surgery, the Falcons figure to be significantly better on defense, especially against the run, where they ranked 26th in the NFL last season.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Tiny from Xscape has a new group Ga. P AKA Ga. Peach

Tiny(Lil Mama) and Kiesha(Babi) of Xscape have come together to form Ga. P(Georgia Peach). Blending sweet melodies, sultry vocals, and street lyrics, their sound is smooth and sexy but all about real life. Their goal is to create music that the ladies can dance to and the fellas can ride to. Coming from a four girl group, Ga. P is a new but pleasant experience and although it’s just the two of them, there is definitely no void in this duo. Check out their MYSPACE

 

Popularity: 10% [?]

YOUNG JEEZY’S MUGSHOT

Rapper Jay Jenkins (aka Young Jeezy) was arrested by Florida cops in March 2006 and charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. According to Miami Beach police, Jeezy, 28, was busted after an alleged shootout in South Beach involving members of his entourage. After officers stopped him and his crew a short time later, they found Jeezy with a semi-automatic gun under his seat and another near the armrest. He was then transported to the Miami-Dade County jail where he posed for the below mug shot. (BEAUTIFUL HUSTLE via THESMOKINGGUN.COM)

For a larger view of the mugshot:

Popularity: 1% [?]

Jones, Cowboys roll dice, bring T.O. to Dallas

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Terrell Owens has gone from stomping on the Dallas Cowboys’ star logo to wearing it on his helmet. 

The reviled receiver joined the Cowboys on Saturday, signing a three-year, $25 million contract to play for Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells in what promises to be an interesting combination of strong personalities. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus, with salaries of $5 million this year, $8 million in 2007 and $7 million in 2008.

“I’m a star among stars now,” a smiling Owens said.

There’s no questioning his talent — Owens has consistently put up numbers the Cowboys have lacked since Michael Irvin was in the prime of his career in the mid-1990s.

It’s his attitude that prompted the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles to get rid of Owens. His relationship with the Eagles soured only months after he led them to the Super Bowl, finally ending with his release Tuesday.

Owens referred to his past problems as “life-learning experiences.”

“I’m going to put those things behind me,” Owens said. “They can only make a man stronger, wiser. For me, that’s what it’s done. I’ll be a better teammate, a better person, a better man in life. I’m looking forward to this opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited to be here.”

Following up a question to Jones about Owens’ past, the receiver interjected: “Jerry, I know what’s expected of me. I won’t let you down.”

Jones didn’t immediately reveal any contract details, but it was likely to include behavior-related provisions. Owens’ blowup with Philadelphia last season even led to new rules regarding punishment being written into the NFL’s latest collective bargaining agreement.

“We can both disappoint each other in this agreement,” Jones said. “But this is no free lunch to the Dallas Cowboys. We made a commitment to him. That means something.”

Agent Drew Rosenhaus said seven teams pursued Owens, “but this was the only team for Terrell.”

Jones repeatedly mentioned that Parcells was in favor of adding Owens. The coach and his new star receiver already have spoken by telephone, although Parcells didn’t attend the news conference. That’s typical, though, because he hasn’t attended any for free-agent signings since joining the club three-plus years ago.

“This was not me selling Bill, this was not Bill selling me,” Jones said. “This was us taking advantage of getting an outstanding player. … Bill has coached a lot of players that, quote-unquote, have the perception that a they might not fit in with team chemistry.”

Jones, who built a billion-dollar fortune by taking big risks, is willing to take this one because the Cowboys have gone nine years without winning a playoff game.

Part of the gamble is that fans will warm up to Owens, who launched his flamboyant persona in September 2000 when as a member of the 49ers he celebrated each of two touchdown catches at Texas Stadium by running to the team’s star logo at midfield. Safety George Teague secured a spot in team lore by decking Owens after the second one.

On a Monday night game in 2004 best remembered for his pregame skit with a “Desperate Housewives” actress, Owens celebrated another score by tapping on a logo in the end zone.

Owens said he and Jones already have discussed his future TD celebrations. With an arm on Jones’ back, he smiled wide and said, “I will embrace the star.”

Until his behavior limited him to nine games last season, Owens had at least 75 receptions and 1,100 yards receiving in five straight seasons. The last time a Cowboys receiver hit both figures in one season was Irvin in 1997.

But Owens also has aliented teammates, coaches and the front office with the things he says and does.

In Dallas, Owens joins a team coming off a 9-7 season that included a 2-4 finish, keeping them from making the playoffs for a second straight year. The Cowboys seem to need more than a star receiver to get over the hump, but do need a main threat after releasing Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday.

The team lacks veteran leaders, with captains Dan Campbell and Dat Nguyen already gone, as is La’Roi Glover, another calming influence. Dallas also is in a tough division that includes T.O.-less Philadelphia, the New York Giants hoping to improve as quarterback Eli Manning develops and the Washington Redskins, who have been big spenders in free agency.

The Eagles gave up on Owens only months after he helped them reach the Super Bowl. He demanded a new contract one year into a seven-year, $48.97 million deal, then squabbled with quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Before that, Owens forced his way out of San Francisco with repeated hijinks on the field and through disparaging comments about teammates, including quarterback Jeff Garcia.

Jones is no stranger to unpopular moves.

After winning big gambles in real estate and digging for oil wells, he put it all on the line to buy the Cowboys in 1989. Since then, he’s fired Tom Landry, forced out Jimmy Johnson, entrusted a championship club to Barry Switzer and given Deion Sanders a $13 million signing bonus.

Jones felt pretty good about his choices when the Cowboys won their third Super Bowl in a four-year span. But that was 1995; Dallas has won only one playoff game since.

He’s lost other big gambles along the way, from sticking with Switzer to hiring Chan Gailey, then Dave Campo as head coaches. He’s also risked public scorn by releasing franchise icons Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith.

Irvin’s off-field woes are the local precedent for taking on Owens. However, while Irvin may have tarnished the team’s image, he was a devoted teammate and fan favorite.

When Irvin was returning from a five-game suspension in 1996, he was asked how he expected fans to treat him. Irvin said he only had to score a touchdown to win them back — and he was right.

Could it be that easy for Owens?

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Hawks: The Big Chill AKA Josh Childress

Last season, when Josh Childress took the court for the Atlanta Hawks, the joke could have been made that the main reason he wore number one was that it was the only digit that could fit across his back.

Childress beefed up some — as much as he could — during the off-season. And while he is listed as the same 6-8, 210 pounds that he was as a rookie, he has noticeably fattened up his stat line.

The second-year forward, drafted with the Hawks’ first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (No. 6 overall), has picked up where he left off last season, when he led the team in field goal percentage (.470). Heading into action March 11, Childress is hitting .557 from the field to rank second in the entire NBA in shooting percentage — sandwiched between Miami’s behemoth Shaquille O’Neal and San Antonio’s mighty-mite Tony Parker, unlikely company for a guy with one of the most unorthodox jump shots in the game.

“I’m not taking that many shots,” he said with a laugh. “I shoot a lot of layups, too.

Modesty aside, Childress turned serious.

“The biggest thing is that I’m getting the shots that I want,” he explained. “I’m getting layups in transition and in the half-court set and I’m getting jump shots in the flow of the offense. When you’re getting good passes and getting into your rhythm it’s easier to knock those shots down. Guys are finding me in spots and I’m just hitting my shots. I want to keep that going and obviously get better with it.”

Hawks Head Coach Mike Woodson believes he’s on the right track and isn’t surprised by what he’s seeing from Childress.

“A lot of it is because he’s what we call a ‘slasher,’” said Woodson. “He’s able to create things around the basket. He’s a good offensive rebounder. He finishes well around the board and he gets out and he runs the floor. He’s an old-school throwback without a real adequate jump shot yet. But his shot has gotten better. The shots that he takes, he feels good about them and he makes them. So I think as he grows in this league, when he’s open for 15-to-20-foot jump shots and he starts making them consistently he’s going to be an unbelievable player.”

Childress has been making spectacular things happen on a nightly basis, especially on the offensive end, where his scoring has increased every month (his stats are skewed so far in the month of March, as he missed three games while resting an ankle injury). Prior to the Hawks’ March 3 loss to Sacramento, when he was held to three points — his lowest output since Nov. 29 — Childress had shot at least 50 percent in 11 straight games, averaging 15.2 ppg during that stretch, and had set season highs for points (21), field goals made (nine) and attempted (14), three-pointers made (three) and attempted (three), free throws made (six) and attempted (eight), and steals (six). He also recorded two double-doubles — one less than he had all season previously.

As important has been Childress’ versatility, which has made him a perfect fit coming off the bench and providing the remedy to what may be lacking on the floor.

“I just do what I have to do,” said Childress, who is fourth on the team, averaging just under 30 minutes per game (only Joe Johnson, Al Harrington and Zaza Pachulia see more court time). “When I see that there’s a problem with energy or a problem with rebounding or a problem with somebody not making the extra pass or whatever, I come in and try to do that. That’s kind of what myself and [rookie Marvin Williams] have tried to do coming off the bench — is be what we’re lacking in that first six or seven minutes.”

“He can play the two and the three and he handles the ball well enough that he can bring it down and start your offense as well,” said Woodson. “He knows his role. He’s done a great job of earning his minutes and he knows he’s going to play positive minutes that will affect the game. Normally when he’s in there good things happen on the floor.”

Those good things are happening at both ends of the floor. While his instant offense has gotten people’s attention, Woodson is most pleased by Childress’ improved defense, proof positive that he is coming of age.

“He’s learning to defend better on the ball, and he’s always rebounded well for his position,” said Woodson. “Being able to defend that two and that three and possibly a one because we switch a lot, has been a learning curve but I think Childress is starting to figure it out. He’s a smart player.”

“A lot of it is confidence,” he continued. “Young guys in this league, if you’re not sure of players that you play against, it’s kind of a threat to you. You’re scared. You’re scared to get up and force the issue or the action defensively because every night you’re going against a guy that can put up big numbers, that’s a player. When you get confidence in your movement, your slides, being able to get over screens, around screens, through screens, that’s how you become a better defensive player in this league and he’s starting to figure some of that out.”

Woodson believes big things are ahead for Childress as he continues to grow and that there is potential to follow in the mold of Tayshaun Prince, who he coached in Detroit.

“As his body gets stronger in this league and he develops more confidence in his outside shot, he’s going to be a much, much better player,” said Woodson. “[Josh] will never be a big, physical specimen but he can be lean and still strong, to be able to withstand the rigor, the pushing and shoving that goes on in the league game by game. Tayshaun was probably like that his first year, too, but Tayshaun has physically gotten stronger and ‘Chills’ will, too.”

 

By Jon Cooper

Popularity: 1% [?]

Lawyer Milloy OKs $6M-Plus Deal With The Atlanta Falcons

Safety Lawyer Milloy agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons Friday on a three-year contract worth more than $6 million, including a $2.5 million signing bonus, according to Kevin Poston, one of his agents.

The four-time Pro Bowler was released by Buffalo two weeks ago, a move that saved the Bills $3.75 million against the cap next season in the final year of Milloy’s four-year contract.

Milloy was the Bills’ second-leading tackler with 170 last year, his 10th in the NFL. He broke his thumb in Week 2, but barely missed a down. He was out for the first five games of the 2004 season with a broken forearm, then returned to help to lead Buffalo from a 1-4 start to finish 9-7.

The New England Patriots cut Milloy days before the start of the 2003 season after he had started 106 consecutive games. He had five seasons with at least 100 tackles in New England and played on their 2002 Super Bowl winner.

Milloy has 22 interceptions and more than 1,000 tackles over 10 seasons, playing 16 regular-season games in all but 2004, when he played 11.

Atlanta went with safeties Bryan Scott and Keion Carpenter last season. Scott lost his starting job with four games to go and Carpenter was coming back from a serious knee injury.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Atlanta Falcons offer Lawyer Milloy 3 year deal

With an eye toward improving the safety position, the Falcons have made a three-year contract offer to hard-hitting strong safety Lawyer Milloy, who visited the team’s facilities in Flowery Branch on Monday, according to his agent. 

“We are looking over things,” said Carl Poston, Milloy’s Houston-based agent. “He had a great interview and he loved it. We just have to try to look at all of the options and see what’s best for him.”

Milloy, who visited Cincinnati over the weekend, will be in Seattle Wednesday.

Poston is hopeful that Milloy’s deal is done by the weekend, but would not discuss contract numbers. By comparison, safety Dexter Jackson signed a four-year, $7.6 million deal with Cincinnati and Marquand Manuel signed a five-year, $10 million deal that included a $2 million signing bonus with Green Bay.

Milloy has had a better career than Jackson, the former Super Bowl MVP with Tampa Bay. Manuel is younger and filled in for Seattle after Ken Hamlin was injured in a street brawl.

The Bengals tried to get the Poston to agree to terms without consulting with Milloy.

“They wanted us to decide immediately and I can’t do that without talking to my client,” Poston said. “Lawyer turned off his phone to give all of his attention to Atlanta. By the time that he called me back, they had already signed Dexter. I guess they were concerned that they may not get Lawyer.”

Milloy, 32, played seven seasons with New England before playing the last three with Buffalo. He was released by the Bills for salary-cap reasons.

Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowler, has averaged 103 tackles over his 10-year career. He had 106 tackles last season. He may be the stopper the Falcons have been missing.

“They talked about a leadership role because of his experiences,” Poston said. “Being a Pro Bowl player, Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl veteran, he could add maturity and be a good decision maker in the secondary.”

The Falcons tandem of Bryan Scott and Keion Carpenter started at safety for most of last year. Carpenter, a free agent, is not expected to be re-signed, and Scott will fight for a roster spot.

Popularity: 1% [?]