The Atlanta Falcons haven’t swept the New Orleans Saints since their NFC Championship season in 2016. One way the Falcons appear to be aiming to change that is adding former Saints players.
The Falcons announced the signing of ex-Saints offensive lineman Ethan Greenidge on April 17. Greenidge, who agreed to a one-year deal, is the third former Saints player Atlanta general manager Terry Fotenot has signed this offseason.
Greenidge arrived in New Orleans as an undrafted free agent from Villanova in 2019. He didn’t appear in a game as a rookie, but the 25-year-old dressed for 15 contests during the 2020 season.
In 2020, Greenidge played 47 snaps at offensive tackle (38 at right tackle and 9 at left tackle). He also lined up for 83 snaps on special teams. Furthermore, he played two snaps at tight end.
Against the Falcons, Greenidge played nine snaps on special teams. He did not receive any playing time on offense in the two Falcons-Saints matchups during the 2020 season.
The 6-foot-4, 335-pound offensive tackle has played in the regular season since 2020. He’s spent each of the past two seasons on injured reserve.
In both 2021 and 2022, the Saints placed Greenidge on injured reserve in August.
The past several years, the Falcons have built depth along their offensive line, especially at tackle. Unless multiple injuries occur, Greenidge won’t have a chance to start for Atlanta in 2023, but he will likely compete for a backup and special teams role.
Other than starting offensive tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, the Falcons have Jalen Mayfield, Joshua Miles, Germain Ifedi and Tyler Vrabel on their roster at tackle.
In addition to Greenidge, the Falcons signed former Saints defenders — defensive tackle David Onyemata and outside linebacker Kaden Elliss. Both agreed to three-year deals that combined are worth $55.5 million.
