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Adding to the nest Falcons sign Ambrose, Jefferson to long-term contracts
Posted: Saturday February 12, 2000 06:02 PM
SUWANEE, Ga. (AP) -- Ashley Ambrose wanted to come to the Atlanta Falcons last year, but things didn't work out. On Saturday, he finally got his wish. The former New Orleans cornerback signed a five-year contract with the Falcons, reuniting him with good friend Ray Buchanan and vastly improving Atlanta's secondary. The Falcons, making their biggest impact in free agency since Dan Reeves was hired as coach in 1997, signed receiver Shawn Jefferson later in the day. He gives the team a much-needed deep threat. While addressing two of their biggest needs after a 5-11 season, the Falcons also left themselves with virtually no room under the salary cap except for draft picks. That means defensive ends Chuck Smith and Lester Archambeau will likely be playing elsewhere in 2000. The Falcons were determined to upgrade their secondary playing in the NFC West along with the Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams, who routed Atlanta by a combined score of 76-20 in two meetings last year. The 29-year-old Ambrose, who had six interceptions in his lone season with the Saints to give him 24 for his eight-year career, give the Falcons a pair of former Pro Bowl cornerbacks. "We want to be known as the best damn tandem in the league," said Ambrose, who has been close friends with Buchanan since they played together in Indianapolis. Buchanan tried to convince Ambrose to sign with the Falcons last year, but the team didn't have enough cap room to work out the deal. This year, the money was there, and Ambrose became available when the Saints voided the second year of his contract and decided not to designate him a franchise player. "I guess it was meant to be," said Ambrose. "I'm glad that now I can officially do the Dirty Bird," his wife, Monica, said. Neither the Falcons nor Ambrose's agent, Kennard McGuire, would reveal the terms of the deal. Published reports said it was $22.5 million with a $7.5 million signing bonus, which would equal the team's largest signing bonus ever. Running back Jamal Anderson signed for the same money after a training camp holdout last year. "The priority as far as we were concerned was defensive corner," Reeves said. "If we were going to address the situation, we had to be aggressive with it." Ambrose arrived in Atlanta on Friday and the deal was completed within a matter of hours. "With the offer this presented, I couldn't leave from here," he said. The signing of Ambrose allows the Falcons to move Ronnie Bradford from corner to free safety, his more natural position. Eugene Robinson, who started at free safety the last two years, is contemplating retirement and probably won't return to Atlanta even if he decides to play. Jefferson spent the last four seasons with the New England Patriots, catching 40 passes for 698 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. The 30-year-old receiver reportedly agreed to a four-year, $14.2 million deal with a $4.5 million signing bonus. The Falcons had one of the top receiving duos in 1998 with Tony Martin and Terance Mathis. But Martin went to the Dolphins last year, leaving Atlanta without a consistent deep threat and limiting quarterback Chris Chandler, one of the best long passers in the NFL. While Jefferson has never had a 1,000-yard season, his speed should open up the passing game for Mathis and the rapidly improving Tim Dwight. "That's how I like to be used," said Jefferson, the second-leading receiver in New England behind Terry Glenn. "I love to run."
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