Falcons make their most important free agent signing of the offseason

The Falcons‘ biggest offseason moves came in the draft, landing Jalon Walker, then trading a future first-rounder for James Pearce Jr., which surprised a lot of fans because Atlanta’s free agency was quiet.

Terry Fontenot made two notable signings and one re-signing. Leonard Floyd signed a one-year deal, and if it weren’t for Walker and Pearce, an argument could be made that he was the most important free agent deal. Divine Deablo inked a two-year pact, but the linebacker position is a strength with Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen in the fold.

An argument could also be made that Mike Hughes, who re-signed on a three-year free agent deal, is Atlanta’s most important offseason signing, but amidst OTAs, one Falcons free agent remained unsigned, and that’s no longer the case.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ryan Neuzil and the Falcons reached an agreement on a new contract, noting that it is a two-year deal worth up to a total of $9.5 million.

It’s the most important signing because of two things: 1) there aren’t many options for starting-caliber centers out there, and 2) with what is essentially a rookie quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., stability at that position is of the utmost importance.

Neuzil filled in for nine games for an injured Drew Dalman, who inked a significant free agent contract to join the Bears. Comparatively, Neuzil’s pass protection is on par with Dalman’s, but where the difference lies is in the run game. Dalman is a far superior run blocker than Neuzil.

Now, the sample size is worth noting. It goes both ways. Perhaps Neuzil is better in both or either facet, but there’s also the chance that he’s worse in a larger sample size. The good news is there’s not a ton of risk in this deal.

The Falcons placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on Neuzil as a restricted free agent when the new league year began on March 12. So, at that point, the club had the leg up to sign him, and Neuzil parlayed it into a sweeter contract.

Still, even with the juice, the Falcons got a win-win. Either Ryan Neuzil is a competent starter on a sweetheart deal, or he isn’t, and the Falcons aren’t on the hook for much.