According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil and the Atlanta Falcons have reached an extension agreement. This means that Neuzil will be returning to the team that won the NFC South.
Source: The #Falcons have extended guard Ryan Neuzil’s contract for one year. Neuzil was a free agent with exclusive rights.
The Atlanta Falcons Make A Move Below the Radar
As an undrafted free agent, Neuzil joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, marking his entry into the professional ranks. From 2016 until 2020, Neuzil played collegiate football for Appalachian State before announcing his intention to enter the NFL Draft in that year. The 26-year-old Neuzil, who turns 27 in July, has played in 26 games throughout his NFL career, all of which have been with the Atlanta Falcons.
At the very least, the Atlanta Falcons are maintaining one of their components on the offensive line with their move on Neuzil, which may or may not portend an impending big move (such as dealing for Justin Fields). Neuzil participated in 17 games in 2023, including four starts. Pro Football Focus gave him a 55.3 overall score that season, including a 59.1 grade for pass blocking and a 56.2 grade for run blocking.
With the intention of being a consistent starter, Neuzil may make more of an impression on Atlanta this offseason after mostly serving as a member of the Falcons special teams in 2023.
Although Neuzil’s specifics are still unknown, the Falcons just needed to make an offer to him to keep him from becoming a free agency.