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Als’ Duval takes a shot at NFL
By Herb Zurkowsky , The Gazette February 2, 2010 9:03 PM
After years of spurning the NFL as a viable option, and with his 30th birthday approaching in April, Alouettes kicker Damon Duval finally has been convinced to take the plunge and potentially look south of the border.
Duval, who has spent five seasons with Montreal, worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, where he was joined by Calgary’s Sandro DeAngelis and Toronto’s Justin Medlock. Although Duval handles punting, placekicking and kickoffs for the Als, the Falcons are looking at him for field goals and kickoffs.
Duval’s leg strength was evident. He said he failed to miss any of his attempted field goals, the longest from 50 yards. A source told The Gazette that Les Snead, Atlanta’s director of player personnel, was so impressed, the Falcons are prepared to offer Duval a contract. However, it now becomes a question of the signing bonus – a true barometer of a team’s interest in a player.
“It’s not a situation where I’m going to sign for nothing,” Duval said from Atlanta, prior to the workout. “If you’re serious about me, show me you’re serious. That’s the best thing. If you sign a free agent for nothing, in reality, I’m not going to do that.”
Each team has a different agenda when it comes to signing bonuses, especially when it comes to kickers. A good starting point, for example, would be $25,000. Would that be enough for Duval to leave the Als? That’s to be determined.
Heading into the option year of his contract, it wouldn’t be surprising if Duval earns $150,000, making him the Canadian Football League’s highest-paid kicker. It’s not uncommon for teams with two kickers –Calgary and Winnipeg, for example – to pay anywhere between $140,000 and $180,000 combined. Duval handles everything alone, thereby saving the Als a roster spot.
His defection undoubtedly would create a serious void on the defending Grey Cup champions. However, because he’s heading into the option year of his contract, and isn’t a true free agent, Duval only has until the middle of February to work out for other teams and potentially sign. The New York Jets, Cincinnati and Houston potentially could all be interested in giving him a look.
Even should Duval return to the Als this season, he’s being advised against signing a contract extension, making him a free agent next winter.
The NFL’s nothing new to Duval, who played collegiately at Auburn. He signed with Jacksonville in April 2003, but was released two months later. He then signed with the Falcons that December, only to be released the following August.
“People who haven’t gone through it don’t understand the politics that are involved,” he said. “I’m a little leery. You hear one thing and, 30 seconds later, things happen. It’s a different element. You have to look over your shoulder, because you never know what can happen. I’ve been a little leery since Jacksonville.”
But Duval also saw numerous teams – San Diego, Cincinnati and Arizona – struggle with their kicking game during the playoffs. That only reinforced his belief, not to mention the $325,000 minimum salary he potentially stands to earn.
Nonetheless, it took some prodding from his agent and wife before he was finally ready to commit.
“I’m very happy in the CFL,” he said. “But the reality is that I’m turning 30. I’m looking at (the NFL) like it’s my last opportunity. If I’m going to do it, do it. Put my name out there. But it took a lot of soul-searching. It took a little time to convince me, a bit of prodding. What’s it going to hurt?
“If it works out, great. If not, I’m happy with my situation. If you’re talking money, of course it’s better in the NFL. But to me, money’s not everything. I enjoy the way we’re treated in the CFL. It’s a different game, and I enjoy the aspects of running around and doing different things. I still plan on being in Montreal at training camp. That’s the way I’m looking at it.”
Duval will be remembered for kicking the Cup game-winning field goal, against Saskatchewan, after missing the first attempt, from 43 yards. He received a reprieve after the Roughriders were called for too many men.
Source >> Atlanta Falcons Blogs
Irons show was ok for a little while.. nothing will ever compare to the Freddie Mac show though.