The Atlanta Falcons can turn their attention to defense in next month's NFL draft after acquiring Eric Metcalf in a trade with the Cleveland Browns Saturday that also involved swapping the team's two first round spots in the draft.
"It gets what we wanted done on offense and now it kind of directs our attention to finish the other things that we've got going defensively," Falcons coach June Jones said at a news conference outside the team's training complex.The deal came one day after the Browns signed former Falcons star wide receiver Andre Rison, a free agent, to a five-year deal worth $17 million.
The trade gives Cleveland the No. 10 pick in the first round of this year's draft, with the Falcons picking up the Browns' No. 26 slot. No other players were involved. It also clears a large spot under the cap for the Browns, who were due to pay Metcalf more than $2 million this year.
The deal won't be completed until Metcalf, 27, passes a physical. Jones said he thought the six-year veteran would be in Atlanta next week for the exam.
"Eric's been a guy that has certainly intrigued me," Jones said. "We'll utilize him more than he's ever been since coming into the league. We think he is tailor-made for us. We're excited that we got him."
Although he was listed as a running back with the Browns, the Falcons will use Metcalf as a slot receiver in their run-and-shoot offense. He'll also return punts and kickoffs and Jones said he'll see some duty as a backup running back to Craig Heyward.
During his six seasons, Metcalf has rushed for 2,229 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 297 passes for 2,732 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The two-time Pro Bowler also has returned 127 punts for 1,341 yards and five scores and brought back 139 kickoffs for 2,806 yards and two touchdowns.
Metcalf becomes the third player the Falcons have acquired since the end of last season.
The Falcons dipped into the free agent market to acquire receiver J.J. Birden and punter Dan Stryzinski.
Birden and Bert Emanuel, a rookie last season, will fill the outside receiving spots and Metcalf will join Pro Bowler Terance Mathis in the slot receiving positions.
Jones said the Falcons are still interested in retaining receiver Ricky Sanders, a free agent.
"We had to be real patient," Jones said of the trade.
Super Bowl champion San Francisco also had been involved in negotiations for Metcalf.
"We got the guy we wanted," Jones said.