We already had one item about the Falcons and a cornerback. Now, we’ve got another.

Brent Grimes has signed his tender for the franchise tag, the team announced. That tender is worth $10.262 million and that’s what Grimes could make in 2012 if a long-term deal isn’t worked out between now and July 15. I think there’s a good chance that will happen because a long-term deal would be in the best interest of both Grimes and the team.

The long-term deal would give Grimes financial security and it would create some needed cap space for the Falcons.

By signing the tender, Grimes now is expected to begin taking part in the Falcons’ offseason program very soon.

It’s possible he and fellow starting cornerback Dunta Robinson could have some company soon. As we discussed earlier, the Falcons are at least in the mix for a possible trade to get Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel. I don’t expect that situation to drag on very long. I’d expect a resolution, one way or the other, before the draft starts Thursday night.