The Atlanta Falcons aren’t messing around at the trade deadline, sending starting center Ryan Neuzil packing in a late deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Neuzil, who had been a rock for them, started all nine games this season and has 38 starts overall in his career. This is a big one, coming right at the wire.
The Price of the Move
So, what did the Dirty Birds get back for their starting center? They snagged guard Andrew Vorhees and a 2027 draft pick. Vorhees has been a starter for 22 of the 39 games he’s been active for the Ravens since they drafted him in the seventh round back in 2023. It’s a swap of offensive linemen, but you gotta wonder about moving a guy who’s started every game this season for a draft pick and a guy who’s only started about half his active games. Is this a shrewd long-term play, or are they patching holes on the fly?
Not Their Only Deadline Shocker
If you thought trading your starting center was wild, hold up, because this isn’t even the first seismic move the Falcons pulled off this week! It’s been a busy few days down in Atlanta. Earlier in the week, they also shipped out former team captain and safety Jesse Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That move also netted them more draft capital. So, we’re talking about two major, major trades, moving a starting center and a team captain, all in one deadline week. That’s a serious shake-up to the roster!
The Falcons are on a bye this week, which might be a good thing to let the dust settle. When they hit the field next, it’ll be backup center Corey Levin likely stepping into Neuzil’s shoes. He’s got a big test ahead, because their next game is on November 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Losing a starting center right before you face a team like the Chiefs? Talk about walking into a fire.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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