2:43pm: Godfrey’s one-year deal with the Falcons is worth $1.5MM, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter). It’s not clear how much of the contract – if any – is guaranteed, but the fact that it’s worth than the minimum is a little surprising, and suggests Godfrey should have a leg up on his competition for a roster spot this summer.
2:41pm: The Falcons have signed Charles Godfrey to a contract extension, keeping him from reaching the free agent market next week, according to Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com (via Twitter). Terms of the agreement aren’t yet known, but I’d be surprised if it’s more than a minimum salary benefit contract for the veteran defensive back.
Godfrey, 29, was sidelined for most of the 2013 season after tearing his Achilles early in the year, then struggled at the beginning of the 2014 campaign, prompting the Panthers to release him. After starting all but one of his 73 games for Carolina during his first five years with the team, Godfrey began the 2014 season playing a lesser role for the Panthers, appearing in just 84 defensive snaps through four games. However, he was subsequently forced into more frequent action and struggled with the increased workload and a shift to cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF’s data gave Godfrey a -0.5 grade for his play through the first four weeks, and a -9.9 mark for weeks five through seven.
After signing with the Falcons, Godfrey didn’t play a single defensive snap for the remainder of the season, which makes the team’s decision to re-sign him somewhat curious, particularly considering there’s a new coaching staff in place. I would guess that Godfrey won’t be a lock to make Atlanta’s 53-man roster in the fall.