Falcons get offensive line help, sign Brandon Fusco
The Atlanta Falcons added more depth to their offensive line today by signing guard Brandon Fusco to a 3-year, $12.75 million deal.
The Atlanta Falcons filled their need at guard by signing Brandon Fusco to a 3-year, $12.75 million deal.
Coming into the NFL Draft, many expected the Falcons to look for an offensive linemen. A popular choice was Georgia offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn.
The Falcons have been going a different direction by retaining tackle Andy Levitre and now with the signing of Fusco, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
The #Falcons signed offensive lineman Brandon Fusco to a 3-year deal worth $12.75M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Fusco started 80 games for the Vikings and 49ers dating back to his rookie season in 2011. He has played all 16 games three times in his career. In the last three seasons, Fusco has only missed two games. He is also ranked 21st overall among guards in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Wes Schweitzer and Ben Garland have been battling for the right guard position, but now with the acquisition of Fusco, that side of the offensive line will most likely guarantee him a starting spot.
A second-round tender was placed on Ben Garland, who was the backup. He filled in for Levitre at times during the 2017 season, but struggled to give quarterback Matt Ryan the time in the pocket that he needed.
Bringing in Fusco will also be a plus on goal line situations. At times in 2017, the Falcons would be stuffed on the one or two yard line when handing the ball to running backs Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman, most notably in the Falcons’ Week 16 matchup against the division rival Saints.
The Falcons did not make any key acquisitions during free agency, but bringing Fusco on board takes the team a step forward in bringing the offensive line back to the success that they had during Atlanta’s Super Bowl run in 2016.
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The Falcons certainly have the talent to do so with Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, left tackle Jake Matthews, a healthy Levitre, and now Fusco protecting Ryan.