The Atlanta Falcons turned some heads with the selection of Syracuse offensive tackle Matt Bergeron. The Falcons drafted him in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.
NFL teams typically find starters early on Day 2 of the draft. But, both of Atlanta’s starting offensive tackles are signed through at least the 2025 season.
The selection of Bergeron made a little more sense when news surfaced that the Falcons viewed him as a potential starter at left guard. The Falcons lost 2022 starting left guard Elijah Wilkinson to free agency.
Atlantafalcons.com’s Scott Bair didn’t dispute Bergeron beginning his career at left guard. But through an answer to a mail bag question on May 22, he also claimed that Bergerson’s future is likely still at tackle.
“I don’t necessarily think you should look at him as someone who can only step in at left guard, though. If he plays that position for more than one contract, that’s a win,” Bair wrote. “But he’s a career tackle and, in theory, could be an option to move back outside should there be an availability in years to come.
“Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are here for the next few seasons, but Bergeron could slide outside if there’s a vacancy. If not, keep him inside.
Bair concluded by adding Bergeron’s position “flexibility” was what attracted the Falcons to the Syracuse product. General manager Terry Fontenot even traded up in the second round to ensure landing him.
Bair’s projection of Bergeron’s future does bring an interesting question in regards to Matthews and McGary.
While the Falcons have both starting tackles signed through 2025, that doesn’t mean a change couldn’t come before that.
Matthews’ cap hit shrinks to under $8 million after the 2024 season. McGary will possess a cap hit of only $2 million going into 2025.
Depending on how either tackle is playing then, Bergeron could be either’s replacement. But his flexibility also makes it possible he remains at guard until Matthews or McGary reach free agency.
