With the new league year looming, the Falcons are preparing for free agency, but they’re tidying up their own house before.
Last week, Atlanta extended Liam McCullough, who was an exclusive rights free agent. Though some fans may not have even looked up at that kind of news, it’s these kinds of offseason moves that sometimes prove to be the most important. Special teams matter, and McCullough is an internal piece in the third phase of the game.
In a similar vein, the Falcons extended another exclusive rights free agent in Ryan Neuzil, who is an important offensive depth piece.
He was an undrafted free agent in 2021 and spent the entire season as a rookie on Atlanta’s practice squad before returning in 2022, which is when he got his first taste of an NFL game. Neuzil was on the active roster that season from Week 9 on.
The Falcons needed the Appalachian State product in a more pronounced role in 2023. Drew Dalman missed a few games, and Neuzil stepped in, playing a total of 203 snaps and starting four games.
He’s a very valuable player. A guy who can step into the starting lineup at any of the interior positions at a modest rate is approaching invaluable. Ryan Neuzil is expected to once again make the 53-man roster, regardless of the coaching staff change. Moreover, if the Falcons choose to bring him back in 2025, they’ll have that option because he’ll be a restricted free agent again next offseason.
With the new league year in sight, there will be more free agent news to come.
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