A veteran offensive lineman with over 10 years of NFL experience has been signed by the Falcons, the team announced Thursday. Smith, who is well-known for his toughness and leadership in the locker room, instantly adds depth and toughness to a Falcons line that has been looking for stability during the summer.
Atlanta cut offensive tackle [Name of Released Player, e.g., Marcus Gray], a former mid-round draft prospect who never quite lived up to expectations, to create space for the addition. During his tenure in Atlanta, Gray battled with penalties and uneven play, and the squad had become increasingly impatient with his lack of progress.
Gonzalez, who stands 6′ 4″ and weighs 305 pounds, participated in 51 games over his four seasons at Louisville. Although he has experience at tackle, he started all 26 of the previous two seasons at left guard. He has started 32 games in his career.
Gonzalez, who was named an All-ACC honorable mention in 2024, blocked 457 passes last season without giving up a sack, according tackle Pro Football Focus. He allowed 13 hurries and four quarterback hits.
On June 18, 2020, Gonzalez made his initial commitment to Louisville under the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, who is now the offensive line coach for the Falcons. The two now come together in Atlanta.
There is still one space open on the Falcons’ roster, most likely for Neuzil, who is still a restricted free agent but is still anticipated to start for Atlanta this autumn.Ledford, head coach Raheem Morris, and Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot have all expressed confidence in Neuzil filling that position after Drew Dalman signed a three-year free agent contract with the Chicago Bears.
“I think Neuzil’s got a lot of strength,” Ledford stated. “He might be among the team’s top athletes. He simply has a lot of power, though. He simply has a lot of power and is a really dynamic man. He has demonstrated that having the quickness he exhibits and the power in the middle is a terrific combination to have at the center position.
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