With a need for a swing tackle, the Falcons are bringing back veteran free agent Germain Ifedi on a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero.
I actually thought Ifedi had a chance to challenge Kaleb McGary for the starting right tackle position last Summer, but the recently signed McGary never gave way.
Ifedi’s role was to be a reserve lineman, specifically at both tackle positions, but he didn’t see much action. Despite being active for all 17 games last season, the former 2016 first-round pick only logged eight snaps, which weren’t all that encouraging.
He returns on a one-year deal for the second straight offseason. Before signing with the Falcons, Ifedi played two seasons with the Bears prior to being drafted by the Seahawks.
Ifedi started every game in his four seasons in Seattle and is a versatile lineman with experience at guard and tackle, starting 23 of his 25 games during his time in Chicago and at least seven games in every season before his first in Atlanta.
He’s always been regarded as a better pass protector than run blocker, which is a strange skill set for the Falcons to pursue, given Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense. Nonetheless, Germain Ifedi is a decent depth signing that can play multiple positions in a pinch; versatility will always be valuable.
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