West Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons are considering Ryan Neuzil as their starting center for the 2025 season. Neuzil is currently a restricted free agent, and the Falcons have placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on him worth $3.262 million for one year. While he holds an offer sheet from the Falcons, other teams can make offers until Neuzil signs it. However, the Falcons have the option to match any offers he receives.

"Definitely feel confident with Neuzil," said Raheem Morris, the Falcons head coach, at the Annual League Meeting. The coach expressed trust in Neuzil’s ability, referencing his performance when Drew Dalman was injured last year. Neuzil started eight games in 2024, filling in for Dalman.

Neuzil's snaps mainly occurred with former starting quarterback Kirk Cousins but also included reps with current starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. This limited exposure has not diminished Morris's confidence in Neuzil. "Watching the continuity between him and Mike just throughout the season, with those guys being the 2s at certain points in the season and the 1s at certain points in the season. I feel really good about those guys," Morris elaborated.

If Neuzil were to receive an offer that Atlanta cannot or will not match before the April 18 deadline, the Falcons would need to consider alternative options. Few free agents who played center in 2024 are available, one being Nick Gates, who had 82 snaps at center for the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL draft is an alternative resource for the Falcons to bolster their interior line, with Donovan Jackson, Tyler Booker, and Grey Zabel touted as top prospects.

If external options fall through, the Falcons may look internally. Jovaughn Gwyn and Matthew Cindric saw preseason reps at center last year but did not play during the regular season, indicating their roles as depth pieces.

Morris reiterated the importance of competition, saying, "You're going to try to make it as competitive as you can. Every single position that you have."

Overall, the Falcons aim to solidify their center position with Neuzil or secure alternatives if necessary, ensuring a competitive environment at every position.