Joe Horn Plans to Seek Trade From Falcons

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn said today that he will ask to be traded from the team rather than serve a reserve role this season. He might just be blowing off some steam after what was apparently a pretty disappointing weekend minicamp, but I can’t blame him for his displeasure.

“I’m not rocking the boat. The main reason I came here last year was for (owner) Arthur Blank. His character, his passion and the way he takes care of his people. I relish the opportunity to play here. I haven’t talked to Mr. Blank, but so far the way it seems, I think they want to go younger.”

First of all, I think it was a travesty he was forced out of New Orleans a year ago. He was the heart and soul of that team, both on- and off-the-field, and they should have found a way to keep him. Joe can still play and could fulfill a much greater role as a starter on a team that has less rebuilding to do. Atlanta is filled with youth at the receiver position (Roddy White, Laurent Robinson, Michael Jenkins) and Joe is 36-years-old. It makes more sense for him to flourish in an established offense than to spend the last couple years of his career mentoring young receivers from the sidelines and catching an occasional ball from a rookie (Matt Ryan). Still, I think the Falcons value his experience and like the depth he gives them. If it were two years from now, I’d say ok. But Joe Horn deserves a starting role somewhere.

Source: AJC.com, Photo: Newscom