The Atlanta Falcons gave wide receiver Joe Horn his unconditional release from the team today, something he had been seeking since OTAs this past offseason. The Falcons couldn’t trade Joe, so they let him go. They will have to eat his guaranteed $2.5 million salary for 2008. Naturally, Joe couldn’t have been happier, but he also expressed sorrow:

“It’s a sense of sadness because after every game last year and after the first two preseason games, I had to look at Mr. Blank and know that he deserves a winning team and he deserves a championship. I was here and couldn’t make it happen. It’s kind of sad for me leaving.”

Despite being 36-years-old, I think Joe has some football left in him and now he’s free to negotiate with any team that’s interested. Among those teams possibly looking for a veteran receiver are Dallas, Jacksonville, Seattle, St. Louis and Tennessee. Apparently Joe’s agent went all out by contacting every team (except the Falcons, of course) to gauge the interest in his client.

Joe’s had a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him out of voluntary workouts and the Falcons’ first two preseason games, but he says he’s 100% ready to run. Expect a needy team to make a move for his services quickly.

Sources: NFL.com, Miami Herald

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Atlanta Falcons Release Joe Horn

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Disgruntled Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn would like to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Then again, who wouldn’t? Obviously the Cowboys seem to have all the pieces in place to make a Super Bowl run in 2008. Their entire training camp will be documented by HBO. And it’s simply becoming almost trendy to want to play for “America’s team” these days. Just ask Adam Jones, Chris Henry and Chad Johnson. Joe is no different:

“I would be in awe to play with an organization like that because I know that they’re at that next step of winning a Super Bowl. To come there and be on the other side of T.O. would be fabulous, but right now, that hasn’t happened. No conversations have been made and all that is speculation.”

The Falcons are favoring their younger receivers (Roddy White, Laurent Robinson, Michael Jenkins). But Joe feels he still has the ability to be a starter in the National Football League. At 36-years-old, I’m not so sure, but I know Joe can still play. And I happen to think he’s better than the Cowboys’ current #2 option Patrick Crayton. If Dallas is unsuccessful at resigning veteran receiver Terry Glenn, they might just be in the market for Joe’s experienced services. That is, if the asking price isn’t too high. Stay tuned.

Source: Dallas Morning News

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Joe Horn Would be in ‘Awe’ to Join Cowboys

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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

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Joe Horn Plans to Seek Trade From Falcons