Falcons predicted to sign $24M former first-round pick after being released by the Giants

The Atlanta Falcons took a big hit along the offensive line over the summer, as several things simply did not go their way. The Falcons are under new leadership, which provides a fresh opportunity for an organization trying to turn things around.

However, Atlanta had to watch one of its best offensive linemen end his career because of an injury. Kaleb McGary announced his retirement in April.

“Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary officially retired from the NFL on Wednesday. McGary was selected with the 31st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after the Falcons traded back up into the first round to acquire him. Together with guard Chris Lindstrom, who was also selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, McGary solidified the right side of Atlanta's offensive line and helped forge some of the league's best rushing attacks,” Falcons reporter Will McFadden wrote.

The player Atlanta brought in as a depth piece was Wanya Morris. However, the Super Bowl champion was waived by the Falcons on Sunday.

“Falcons releasing OT Wanya Morris, per source. Surprising, given Atlanta traded for him over summer," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler posted.

The move was indeed shocking, but Morris struggled to stay healthy during the preseason. The Falcons could use another addition along the offensive line, and Blogging Dirty’s Jason Kandel believes they should consider signing Evan Neal.

“Neal has been downright horrendous in New York, but there are reasons to believe in a turnaround. While he lacks the movement ability to be a starter, he's a plus as a run blocker, which means at the very least he can be a situational depth lineman for a team like the Falcons, who could use OL depth,” Kandel wrote.

Neal did not turn into the player the New York Giants expected when they drafted him, but a change of scenery could give him another opportunity. If the Falcons could help him develop into the player many expected him to become, he could be a major addition in Atlanta.

Neal has made $24 million throughout his career so far. The Falcons could use all the help they can get along the offensive line, and adding depth would only benefit them. With offensive line coach Bill Callahan, Neal could potentially rebuild his career and work his way back into a starting role in the NFL.

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