Falcons OL Chris Lindstrom: Best Guard in NFL?
At the beginning of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons possessed a substantial cap space exceeding $60 million. With this significant financial flexibility, the team was committed to making substantial investments to bolster its roster. Among the signings made by the Falcons during the offseason, the most significant contract was awarded to offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom, who was extended through 2028.
With a substantial investment of $102 million over the next five years, the Falcons made Lindstrom, a former first-round pick, the highest-paid guard in the NFL. While the amount may be considered significant for an interior lineman, the Falcons deemed his performance deserving of such a lucrative contract.
Heading into the 2023 season, Lindstrom received recognition from Pro Football Focus as one of the top five guards at his position. PFF's new guard rankings placed Lindstrom at an impressive No. 4, highlighting his exceptional performance and solidifying his standing among the league's elite.
"With PFF grades that have jumped significantly every season since he entered the league, including a league-best 95.0 mark in 2022, Lindstrom has a case to be three spots too low on this list," PFF writes. "The players above him have impressed for longer, but Lindstrom finished the 2022 season with PFF grades above 90.0 in five of seven games and could be the consensus top guard in football by the end of this season."
Lindstrom achieved a remarkable feat during the previous season by attaining a league-leading offensive grade of 95.0, according to PFF. He consistently demonstrated outstanding performances, earning individual grades of 90 or higher in seven games throughout the 2022 season. Lindstrom's exceptional form continued towards the end of the season, as he garnered impressive grades of 90 or above in five of the last seven games.
As Desmond Ridder enters his first full year as the starting quarterback, Lindstrom will take on the crucial role of protecting him. Lindstrom's experience and skill will be instrumental in ensuring Ridder's development and providing a solid foundation for the Falcons' offense. Together, they aim to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season.
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