Terry Fonteno learned that free agency began mid-Thursday after a flurry of signings unrelated to Deshawn Watson. The Falcons brought back big inside hog Anthony Rush and OL Colby Gossett, and signed new guards Teese Tabor and Casey Hayward.
Hayward tops the list as a seasoned and efficient veteran cornerer who could take on A.J. Terrell. Tabor is a former second-round pick who has so far failed to find a starting position in the NFL. Fontenot signed a new offensive hold in line with this offensive move.
We see that a significant portion of the former Bears continue to arrive in Atlanta. Last year it was Cordarrel Patterson. This year it’s Elijah Wilkinson and Tabor.
Wilkinson played through the attacking line with rather limited starting experience in his professional career. Wilkinson started a total of 27 games over five NFL seasons, mostly with the Denver Broncos, playing both right tackle and right back. Limited starting experience didn’t stop Fonteno from signing defenseman Josh Andrews last season. Wilkinson may have a bit more edge and should see more playing time than Andrews.
At 6ft 6in and weighing 322lbs, Wilkinson could theoretically play both guard and tackle, but he’s best suited for rolling and putting some pressure on Caleb McGary.
Expect the Falcons to continue working on the offensive line so that in 2021, any quarterback who starts the game remains a cleaner than Matt Ryan.