The Atlanta Falcons have one of the top returning offensive lines heading into the 2023 season. But one analyst argued it could get better if the team makes another addition.
Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton called the Atlanta Falcons the best fit for former All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell. Moton argued the Falcons should consider signing Norwell for additional depth.
“If Norwell is healthy enough to practice, he should find a new home before Week 1 of the upcoming season. Though the veteran guard is far removed from his 2017 All-Pro campaign, he’s a low-end starter with almost a decade of experience primarily at left guard,” wrote Moton.
“Norwell could bolster the interior of the Atlanta Falcons offensive line with Matt Hennessy battling a leg injury.
“Matthew Bergeron could earn the starting job at left guard, but he’s a rookie who’s making the transition from tackle to the interior, which may come with a lot of growing pains. Instead of rushing him into the starting role out of necessity, Norwell could fill a short-term void.”
Norwell made first-team All-Pro with the Carolina Panthers during the 2017 season. He joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
After the 2017 season, Norwell signed a five-year, $66.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started 57 games in four seasons with the Jaguars. He started 16 contests for the Washington Commanders last year.
As Moton noted, Norwell could be a possible free-agent addition for the Falcons because of Matt Hennessy’s injury. During the last couple weeks of training camp, Hennessy has been dealing with a leg ailment that also impacted him at the end of last season.
However, the Falcons drafted Matthew Bergeron in the second round of the NFL draft this past spring. If Atlanta finds that Bergeron’s play is serviceable until Hennessy returns, there is little reason to sign Norwell.
The last thing the Falcons should want to do is block Bergeron from receiving valuable playing time that will help his development.
Even with the question mark at left guard, Pro Football Focus ranked the Falcons’ offensive line at No. 7 in the NFL on June 13.
