NFL Free Agency 2014: Atlanta Falcons sign Gabe Carimi
By Josh Hill
The career of offensive lineman and former first-round draft pick Gabe Carimi has taken his talents to the city of Atlanta to play for the Falcons. After being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons have picked up Carimi and signed him to a contract.
Alex Marvez from FOX Sports reports the Falcons have signed Carimi, making him the first signing of the offseason, although not yet the official first signing of the new season.
Source tells @FOXSports that @Atlanta_Falcons have signed T/G Gabe Carimi to help augment offensive line.
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) February 17, 2014
If you’re wondering why Carimi can be signed if free agency hasn’t yet opened, you might not be alone. The Atlanta Falcons were able to sign Carimi thanks to a rule that allows players who are waived to sign contracts right away, as they’ve been released from their contracts and aren’t watching them expire.
It’s not often that deals are done before free agency, but the Falcons have scooped up a guy who could develop into the first-round talent he looked to be coming into the draft a few years ago. Hopefully for Falcons fans, Carimi doesn’t turn out to be the bust he was with the Chicago Bears or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.