Atlanta Falcons Reach 1-Year Deal with Center Todd McClure

It may not be the flashiest signing that could have been made, but the Atlanta Falcons agreeing to a 1-year contract with Todd McClure is very important for this Falcons team going forward.

There are no details as to how much McClure’s contract will be worth, but all guesses are that it will be a tremendous bargain. Last season McClure made $1.7 Million, so it would only make sense that his new deal would be significantly less.

The move is very important for the continuity of the offensive line in 2012. In 2011, the line suffered greatly when Joe Hawley started at Center. I don’t think that is so much an indictment on Hawley as it was the Right Guard position. When McClure returned to the starting lineup, Hawley was able to shift over to RG where he performed admirably for most of the season.

The thing is, Atlanta needs him to eventually take over at Center for McClure. Center is Hawley’s natural position, and I have no doubt that he will be able to play well in the future at that spot. With the Falcons signing of Vince Manuwai to compete at the RG position, McClure was brought back to push Hawley at Center, and allow Hawley to turn all of his attention to the position he will be playing for the future.

McClure is the brains of the offensive line, and is invaluable in organizing and calling protections for the line. Perhaps just as important as him playing, is the student-teacher relationship he will have with Hawley. There is a wealth of information that McClure has to provide, and nobody could benefit from it more than Hawley.

What are your thoughts on the Falcons bringing back Todd McClure, and the effect he will have on the 2012 edition of the Falcons?