Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Offensive Line

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When the Falcons finally get some cap space to improve what has historically been a bad offensive line, the unit has one of their best seasons as a whole in years. Chris Lindstrom should be an All-Pro, and Kaleb McGary has really cranked up his play in a contract year. Even Elijah Wilkinson has been pretty solid at guard. Now, the Falcons have a few decisions to make. I think bringing back McGary is key, but we’ll get into that. I still have plenty of cap space I haven’t used in this series, and McGary is going to get a chunk of it. All figures are via Over The Cap.

If you want to check out my articles from my previous offseason series — One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, and One Trade — those will be linked below:

Previous editions of this series are listed below:

Current Rostered Offensive Linemen

OL Jake Matthews

OL Chris Lindstrom

OL Matt Hennessy

OL Drew Dalman

OL Ryan Neuzil

OL Jalen Mayfield

As you can see, the Falcons have a lot of holes to fill. Bringing back McGary is a start, but they could also look to upgrade some positions and bring back Elijah Wilkinson. We’ll get into free agents available shortly.

Re-Sign Kaleb McGary

Unfortunately, the Falcons turned down the fifth-year option on McGary, and they’re going to pay the price for it. Hopefully, his chemistry with Lindstrom and breakout season brings him back to the Falcons for 2023 and beyond. I’ll go with Aaron Freeman’s prediction for his contract.

Kaleb McGary re-signs for five years, $90 million.

Re-Sign Elijah Wilkinson

We’re throwing a lot of money at the offensive line, but the Falcons will need Wilkinson’s versatility back. He struggled with injuries, but he can play tackle, and right now, the Falcons need an option in case things go sour. Adding Wilkinson back on a reasonable deal is a smart play.

Elijah Wilkinson re-signs for one year, $3 million

Sign Isaac Seumalo or Nate Davis

The Falcons finally throw a big fix at left guard — literally. Davis is a better scheme fit, but Seumalo has been fantastic in 2023. If the Falcons really want to beef up their offensive line, both guys are great options. I’ll go with Davis for his familiarity with Arthur Smith — and his price point — even though his natural position is right guard.

Nate Davis signs a two-year, $13 million deal.

Draft Jarrett Patterson

Back-to-back editions where I’m using a draft pick; this time on the Notre Dame interior lineman who has played both guard spots and center. Patterson is a very smart player with tons of experience, which makes it surprising that scouts have him going on day three. He is an average athlete but an absolute technician, so the Falcons can probably grab him in the later rounds and look to develop him physically.

Falcons draft Jarrett Patterson with pick 182

Overhauled Offensive Line Roster

OL Jake Matthews

OL Nate Davis

OL Drew Dalman

OL Chris Lindstrom

OL Kaleb McGary

OL Elijah Wilkinson

OL Matt Hennessy

OL Jarrett Patterson

OL Ryan Neuzil

Jalen Mayfield is cut for a meager amount, and the Falcons can bring in some fresh faces while keeping the most important parts of their offensive line. This is a respectable, deep group that can really give Falcons fans some confidence in 2023.

Current Roster: 25

QB Desmond Ridder

QB Taylor Heinicke

RB Tyler Allgeier

RB Cordarrelle Patterson

RB Justin Jackson 

RB Avery Williams

RB Caleb Huntley

WR Drake London

WR Allen Lazard

WR Ronnie Bell

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

WR Frank Darby

TE Kyle Pitts

TE Darnell Washington

TE MyCole Pruitt

TE Parker Hesse

OL Jake Matthews

OL Nate Davis

OL Drew Dalman

OL Chris Lindstrom

OL Kaleb McGary

OL Elijah Wilkinson

OL Matt Hennessy

OL Jarrett Patterson

OL Ryan Neuzil

Draft Picks Remaining

  • Round 1, Pick 8
  • Round 3, Pick 76
  • Round 4, Pick 110 (from TEN)
  • Round 5, Pick 155 (from JAX)
  • Round 7, Pick 226 (from LV)
  • Round 7, Pick 249 (from BUF)

2023 Cap Space Allotted: $43.8 Million

Quarterback: -$6 million

Running Back: $900k

Wide Receiver: $19.5 million

Tight End: $1.9 million

Offensive Line: $27.5 million

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Photographer: Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire

 

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