Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Schraeder signs second-round tender

Atlanta Falcons right tackle Ryan Schraeder appears to be sticking around for another year.

Falcons fans can breathe a little easier now, as right tackle Ryan Schraeder has signed his second-round tender.

What this means is the Falcons will pay him $2.56 million this year assuming a tackle-needy team doesn’t make an offer for him. If another team is to agree a long-term deal with Schraeder, the Falcons would have the opportunity to match the offer which would bring him back to Atlanta. If the team decided not to match the offer sheet, they would receive a second-round pick as compensation.

In the unlikely scenario Schraeder is signed by another team, the blow would be softened with the Falcons earning an sixth pick in this month’s draft. Of course, there would then be a need at tackle to fill.

The Falcons have found themselves an excellent pair of tackles in Schraeder and Jake Matthews, and both were key in a much improved offensive line in 2015. Schraeder was ranked fifth among 77 grades tackles by Pro Football Focus. His grade of 87.0 fits in their Pro Bowl category.

To pay the right tackle such a small fee this year is good for the Falcons, although he will need to be paid next offseason when he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. With another strong season, Schraeder’s value could fly up, and it might make sense to try and re-sign him before the 2016 campaign begins.

The Falcons are set at the tackle spots but could still use some added depth at the interior positions. Free agent acquisition Alex Mack will fix a glaring need at center, but the line could do with an upgrade at guard. Andy Levitre will likely take one of the spots, but currently Mike Person is favorite to take over at right guard. Adding a talent in the draft would help significantly.

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With Schraeder signing his tender, the Falcons are all but guaranteed to keep their right tackle in house for another year.