Free-agent strong safety William Moore, who made one Pro Bowl in seven seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, said he hopes to generate interest from his old team following an injury to rookie Keanu Neal.
"Absolutely I’d come back," Moore told ESPN. "It’s home."
The Falcons need help at strong safety after Neal, this year’s first-round pick, went down with a right knee injury during Thursday night’s 17-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins. Neal will have arthroscopic surgery Monday and will miss the season opener against Tampa Bay. Plus Neal’s backup, Kemal Ishmael, is currently out with a shoulder injury, leaving the Falcons thin at the position. Sergio Brown is next on the depth chart.
"I just stay ready," the 31-year-old Moore said. "This is my first time going through this process. Everything happens for a reason, but nothing has changed for me.
"My health is great. I haven’t had absolutely any issues working out and staying in shape. You look at my past injuries, it’s ankles and stuff that heal up. I’m blessed that I’ve never had any serious issues like blown knees."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Friday that they are not considering Moore at this time.
Moore, a second-round pick of the Falcons in 2009 out of Missouri, didn’t fit well in Quinn’s scheme with his sometimes reckless playing style. But the big-hitter vowed to alter his approach if given another opportunity.
"He’s an awesome coach," Moore said of Quinn. "I absolutely loved playing for him, the short time I did have with him."
