The Atlanta Falcons have addressed a significant void in their offensive line by re-signing center Ryan Neuzil to a two-year contract reportedly worth $9.5 million, including $6.25 million guaranteed. This move comes after the team lost its former starting center, Drew Dalman, who signed with the Chicago Bears during free agency, leaving a critical position to fill for over two months.

Neuzil, who was a restricted free agent, had a right-of-first-refusal tender valued at $3.26 million placed on him by the Falcons. However, he opted not to sign the tender, instead holding out for a more substantial financial commitment reflective of a starting player's role. Despite not being officially on the roster until the new agreement, the 27-year-old center demonstrated his commitment by participating in the Falcons' voluntary workouts and was seen practicing with the first-team offensive line when organized team activities (OTAs) commenced.

An undrafted free agent signing in 2021, Neuzil spent his rookie season on the Falcons' practice squad. He made his NFL debut in Week 9 of the 2022 season, initially contributing on special teams, and went on to appear in nine games that year. Across his three seasons in Atlanta, Neuzil has played in a total of 43 games, accumulating 12 starts.

A significant portion of his starting experience occurred last season. After Drew Dalman sustained an ankle injury in Week 3, Neuzil stepped into the starting center role. He appeared in all 17 games last season, making eight starts. This period of starting action included his first career NFL start, which came in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. During last season, Neuzil played a career-best 577 snaps on offense and an additional 75 snaps on special teams. His performance was particularly noteworthy in pass protection, where he allowed only one sack and 10 total pressures across 346 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, during his eight starts.

While his performance in place of Dalman was largely praised, Neuzil did face challenges, particularly with penalties. He was flagged seven times during his eight-game starting stint, a figure that was tied for the most in the NFL among centers at the time Dalman returned from injury.

Despite the penalties, Neuzil earned commendations from the Falcons' coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson stated in December that Neuzil "did an outstanding job stepping in" and that the offense "didn't miss a beat" during his starts, including in tough road games. Similarly, offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford spoke highly of Neuzil in early May, praising his strength, athleticism, power, and explosiveness, noting that "at the center position, if you've got the quickness he shows and you need there, along with the power in the middle, it's a good combination to have, and he's shown that."

Having proven himself as a quality rotational piece and a capable starter, Ryan Neuzil is now positioned to take on a more prominent role. With his new contract secured and the starting center job seemingly his, 2025 is anticipated to be his time to be a consistent presence in the spotlight for the Atlanta Falcons.