JOESAM2002

Maybe, just maybe, Atlanta's the only one that wanted him. He has to make money. Just because we don't make that kind of money doesn't mean he doesn't have that right. So what, he's a Falcon. Do you really care? He did a lot fot this franchise and this city. Give him a break. I for one don't really care.I think all this hubbub is a bunch of crap. But oh well, that's just me.

papz

Joe Horn took a pay cut to play for the Falcons.

Receiver Horn, Falcons agree to contract

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 03/07/07

Joe Horn has never lacked conviction. So when he told his agent he wanted to play for Atlanta after being released last week by its longtime rival New Orleans, Horn was going to find a way to make it happen.

It took six days of conversations, three days of meetings, dinners and tours and more than 12 hours of contract negotiations, but at just past 11 p.m. Wednesday night, Horn and the Falcons agreed to a multi-year contract, believed to be at least for three years, with guarantees in the $2 million range.

"I'm thrilled to have him as a player, and obviously his productivity in the NFL has been extraordinary," said team owner Arthur Blank, who spoke to Horn three times on the phone during the recruiting process. "Unfortunately, I've seen what he's done a number of times against the Falcons. It's been a source of frustration for a number of years.

"I'm very enthused about having him. He's achieved at the highest levels."

In acquiring the outspoken Horn, who was publicly upset with his release from the Saints, the Falcons address two vital needs: leadership and a wide receiver with a track record.

From 2000-04, Horn was one of the NFL's top wideouts, catching at least 78 passes and seven touchdowns each season and surpassing 1,000 yards in four. He also was one of its most flamboyant, most notably for drawing a $30,000 fine for pulling a cellphone he'd hidden under a goal-post pad and using it as part of a touchdown celebration.

Horn, 35, has missed 11 games the past two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, which were concerns in the initial stages of conversations, which began last Friday. However, Horn passed a physical to alleviate worries about his health.

In the past two seasons, though, Horn has 86 receptions for 1,333 yards â€â€� 66 fewer yards than he had in his career-bestseason in 2004. He did not tail off vocally, though, emerging as one of the more provocative voices for the team and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Though Horn played in only 10 games last season, he had 37 receptions, two fewer than Falcons leading wideout Michael Jenkins.

Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, is a sure-handed receiver who should fit into new coach Bobby Petrino's system, in which three and four wideouts will be deployed at times.

Horn is friends with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Horn's agent, Ralph Vitolo. The two have known each other for years and have spoken during this process.

Horn also brings enough credibility to garner respect from young wide receivers Roddy White and Jenkins, first-round draft picks better known for inconsistency than playmaking. Atlanta lost starter Ashley Lelie to free agency but swill get back veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.

"He's an overall leader but he's going to be a leader in that position room," Blank said of Horn. "I'm looking forward to the impact he's going to have on our team and our young receivers."

Courtesy of Billy...

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

papz

It's actually 19 million for 4 years.

Check it out on si.com.

ScottF

My question is, why the hell didn't we sign him for only 2 million? There is obviously a lot still unknown.

He said in the regular season he did not want a pay cut, but now he is making 1/2 of what he made last year?

He was upset and said some stupid things on his way out the door, and yes, he only visited one team, the Saints' #1 rival, but he was obviously told he wasn't welcome here anymore.

Crusader

I agree, he did a lot for the Saints and New Orleans and for that I wish him the best...but now he's a Falcon and as i always say: F*ck the Falcons. Nothing personal against Joe.

JOESAM2002

asNow that I can understand! LOL

Tobias-Reiper

But Atlanta is not going to pay him the money he wants ... he got 2 mill guaranteed. That's it. Backloaded contract with just 2 mill guaranteed. I believe that's less than what the Saints were offering him. And being #1 WR in Atlanta is not really something anyone should be proud of.

Actually, my point was that the Saints thought enough of Joe Horn that despite the points I mentioned before, they still gave him a chance to stay, but Joe threw a tantrum and went rushing into Atlanta's arms, rather that treat it like a business, and at least visit with teams like the Patriots, or Baltimore, or Seattle, good teams that could use a receiver with good hands. More likely than not those teams would've shied away after a physical, but nevertheless, that would've been business-like, i,e. get youself the most money in the best situation.

'Cause the simple man pays the thrills, the bills and the pills that kill