Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Center
The Atlanta Falcons should benefit from continuity on offense this season with 10 of 11 starters set to return in 2025. However, center Drew Dalman signed a lucrative deal with the Chicago Bears on the opening day of NFL free agency, leaving a hole in the middle of Atlanta's offensive line.
Since the team didn't add a center in the draft, the Falcons will look to veteran backup Ryan Neuzil to step up in 2025. After starting eight games last season, Neuzil will enter the year as the starter for the first time in his NFL career.
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In today's post-draft preview, we examine the center position, including depth chart, salary cap space and available free agents.
Center depth chart
Ryan Neuzil
Jovaughn Gwyn
Matthew Cindric
Michael Gonzalez
As you can see above, there's no real threat or competition for Neuzil at center. Gwyn is a former seventh-round pick and has only appeared in two career games. Cindric is a former undrafted free agent who spent his first year in Minnesota. The Falcons signed Gonzalez is an undrafted free agent out of Louisville while they waited for Neuzil to sign his contract.
2025 salary cap hits
Neuzil: $3,263,000
Gwyn: $1,030,000
Cindric: $840,000
Gonzalez: $840,000
The Falcons signed Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million deal in late May. His 2025 salary cap hit is $3.2 million, which isn't bad for a starting offensive lineman. Gwyn has the second-highest cap hit of the team's centers at $1 million this season. Cindric and Gonzalez are outside of the Falcons' top 51 players in terms of salary cap this season ($840,000 apiece).
Top free agents available
David Andrews (retired)
Nick Harris
Dan Feeney
Nick Gates
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The free-agent center market leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear why the team felt bringing back Neuzil was its best option. Former Patriots center David Andrews would have been a good option but he opted to retire following his release. Dan Feeney and Nick Gates are a few low-end options the team could consider if they don't like their current group.
Predictions/expectations for 2025
Neuzil is a former undrafted free agent who's spent his entire career as a backup. He played well in place of Dalman last season and now it's his time to shine. While Neuzil doesn't have much experience, he's in a good spot playing between Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron. If Neuzil doesn't get the job done this season, perhaps the team will give Gwyn a look.
Falcons post-draft position breakdowns
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons position preview: Ryan Neuzil to lead center group
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