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Atlanta Falcons: 4 Fearless Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction #2: The Falcons will release veteran guard Chris Chester 

On the offensive line, the Falcons had one of the more solid offensive lines in the entire league. The signing of center Alex Mack during last offseason was essential to a ton of success the offense experienced last season.

Now the team may strategize to add to the line again in free agency.

Veteran right guard Chris Chester was supposedly the “weak link” of the unit. Now he faces unrestricted free agency at the age of 34 with 11 seasons under his belt. The rumor mill has also produced speculation that Chester may retire this offseason.

Regardless, the Falcons may likely search for a new starter this offseason. It may be tempting to grab a rookie such as Dan Feeney of Indiana or Forrest Lamp out of Western Kentucky.

However, it would not be much of a surprise if the team prefers to go the veteran route and address the position.

Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler is the headliner at the position in free agency. With a projected cap number near $30 million, Atlanta may have a few dollars to entice Zeitler. If they go a slightly cheaper route, Dallas guard Ron Leary is a real possibility.

The same can be said for Green Bay’s T.J Lang. Expect to see the Falcons solidify their offensive line with a veteran body to maintain stability.

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