Monday, November 29, 2004
Crumpler Resigns!
Star tight end a key keeper for Atlanta
By Len Pasquarelli / ESPN.com
ATLANTA -- Turns out his game-winning touchdown catch wasn't the only thing Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler celebrated Sunday.
The four-year veteran, regarded as the premier tight end in the NFC and perhaps the best player overall at his position in the league, has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the Falcons and off the 2005 free agency market. Contract details were not immediately available, but it is believed the Falcons will announce the accord as early as Monday.
Falcons officials have made no secret of the importance of retaining Crumpler, who would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring had the extension not been completed. It is likely that, absent an extension, Atlanta would have considered designating Crumpler a "franchise" player.
On-and-off negotiations have stretched over several months. The Falcons are believed to have substantially increased their offer from where it was a month or so ago.
Crumpler, 26, is an emerging star in the league and was chosen for his first Pro Bowl game in 2003. In what is becoming the NFL's "year of the tight end," he has emerged as the go-to receiver for Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, and that was evident again Sunday, when Crumpler had four catches for 103 yards.
That included the game-winning 20-yard touchdown catch against New Orleans with 1:22 remaining. Crumpler made both big plays on the two-snap drive, preceding his touchdown grab with a 27-yard reception. He has developed an undeniable synergy with Vick and clearly flourished in the offense installed by coordinator Greg Knapp.
For the season, Crumpler has 43 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Falcons in all three categories. The former North Carolina star already has posted career bests in all three receiving categories this season.
He has 16 receptions for 20 yards or more, the most in the NFL by a tight end. All four of his catches against the Saints were for 20 yards or more.
A second-round choice in the 2001 draft, Crumpler has 148 catches for 2,046 yards and 17 touchdowns in 59 career appearances, including 48 starts.
Alge Crumpler / Tight End Atlanta Falcons
2004 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
43 709 6 16.5 49 261 ¶ 11/29/2004 01:19:00 PM
By Len Pasquarelli / ESPN.com
ATLANTA -- Turns out his game-winning touchdown catch wasn't the only thing Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler celebrated Sunday.
The four-year veteran, regarded as the premier tight end in the NFC and perhaps the best player overall at his position in the league, has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the Falcons and off the 2005 free agency market. Contract details were not immediately available, but it is believed the Falcons will announce the accord as early as Monday.
Falcons officials have made no secret of the importance of retaining Crumpler, who would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring had the extension not been completed. It is likely that, absent an extension, Atlanta would have considered designating Crumpler a "franchise" player.
On-and-off negotiations have stretched over several months. The Falcons are believed to have substantially increased their offer from where it was a month or so ago.
Crumpler, 26, is an emerging star in the league and was chosen for his first Pro Bowl game in 2003. In what is becoming the NFL's "year of the tight end," he has emerged as the go-to receiver for Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, and that was evident again Sunday, when Crumpler had four catches for 103 yards.
That included the game-winning 20-yard touchdown catch against New Orleans with 1:22 remaining. Crumpler made both big plays on the two-snap drive, preceding his touchdown grab with a 27-yard reception. He has developed an undeniable synergy with Vick and clearly flourished in the offense installed by coordinator Greg Knapp.
For the season, Crumpler has 43 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Falcons in all three categories. The former North Carolina star already has posted career bests in all three receiving categories this season.
He has 16 receptions for 20 yards or more, the most in the NFL by a tight end. All four of his catches against the Saints were for 20 yards or more.
A second-round choice in the 2001 draft, Crumpler has 148 catches for 2,046 yards and 17 touchdowns in 59 career appearances, including 48 starts.
Alge Crumpler / Tight End Atlanta Falcons
2004 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
43 709 6 16.5 49 261 ¶ 11/29/2004 01:19:00 PM
