atljbo Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 https://theathletic.com/830826/2019/02/21/breaking-down-sambrailos-extension-what-it-means-for-falcons-offensive-line/ Breaking down Sambrailo’s extension, what it means for Falcons’ offensive line By Jason Butt It was unexpected for Ty Sambrailo to see as much playing time as he did during the final stretch of the 2018 season. Not long ago, Ryan Schraeder received a hefty contract to be the Falcons’ starting right tackle for the foreseeable future. But for whatever reason, Schraeder did not put in the kind of year the franchise expected. So during the final four games, the Falcons went with Sambrailo primarily at right tackle instead. Sambrailo played well, too. The Falcons won the final three games and saw the run game drastically improve during that span. It was the first time Sambrailo got significant game action since his NFL career began in Denver. As a former second-round draft pick in 2015, Sambrailo’s career didn’t get going the way he would have liked. Having dealt with upper body injuries early on, Sambrailo started only seven games with the Broncos. Struggling with his opportunities on the field, the Denver front office soured on Sambrailo after two seasons. The Falcons, meanwhile, figured they should take a chance and traded a 2018 fifth-round draft pick for him prior to the 2017 season. “I don’t think it’s any different than a lot of journeys that guys go on in the NFL,” Sambrailo told The Athletic in December. “Obviously, you want to be somewhere and stay somewhere, but it doesn’t always happen a lot. It’s just part of a job. I’m lucky I have a job here and that they traded for me. I’m happy to be a Falcon.” Head coach Dan Quinn said Sambrailo was on his radar back when he was coming out of Colorado State. Quinn went to Fort Collins, Colo., to work Sambrailo out prior to the 2015 draft. While Sambrailo didn’t work out in Denver, Quinn figured some new scenery might help him. “We thought this might be the right time for a guy with a fresh start in the program to get going,” Quinn said. “For him to be here, he’s been in a backup role, but when he’s been called upon, he’s performed well. He just kept improving as he was going in practice.” Now, it’s too early to tell whether Sambrailo’s performance during the end of the 2018 season could catapult his career from Denver bust to Atlanta mainstay. But the three-year contract extension Sambrailo signed earlier this week indicates that the Falcons’ front office will give him the chance to make that happen. Both Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have stated the need to improve the offensive line this offseason. Keeping Sambrailo was the first active move the franchise made in doing so. Per a league source, Sambrailo’s contract is valued at $14.25 million. There are two escalators that could come into play in 2020 and 2021, which is what potentially could drive the maximum amount of the contract upward to the previously reported figure of $18 million. If Sambrailo performs well and proves he can live up to his second-round status by becoming a starter, he will be able to earn most of the money on this deal. If he doesn’t, the risk from Atlanta’s side isn’t too great. Here is the breakdown of the three-year deal: Sambrailo received a $3 million signing bonus, which is prorated for three years. His base salary for the 2019 season will be $2 million. In each year, he is slated for a $250,000 roster bonus that is divided up per game. The total guaranteed amount is $6 million, and $5.25 million of his contract will be paid out in 2019. His cap number for 2019 is $3.25 million. In 2020, Sambrailo’s $4.5 million base salary with an escalator attached to it. His cap number for this year is $5.75 million. In 2021, Sambrailo’s base salary will be $4 million with an escalator attached to it. His cap number for the season is $5 million. If Sambrailo, 26, is able to earn a starting job and outperform the deal, the Falcons will be ecstatic. If he doesn’t, the Falcons would appear to only be on the hook for $1.25 million in dead money in each of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. As it turns out, it’s a good contract for both parties. At the same time, what does this mean for the rest of the offensive line? Also at right tackle, Schraeder will be looking to reclaim the starting job he lost during the 2018 season. Schraeder holds a $7.75 million cap figure for the 2019 season, which will be the third season of a five-year contract. Schraeder could be a candidate for a restructured contract if the Falcons feel like they need further cap relief. Earlier in the offseason, Quinn said he felt good only about left tackle and center. Left tackle Jake Matthews was given a healthy extension last preseason, and therefore his contract won’t be touched. Center Alex Mack is entering the fourth year of a five-year contract, which has him slated for a $10.8 million cap figure. Of that, $8.5 million is tied up in his base salary. Considering the Falcons don’t plan to move Mack, he could be a restructure candidate but likely only if the team gets desperate. The Falcons still need to figure out their best options at guard. Zane Beadles, brought in mid-year, has yet to be re-signed and is slated to hit free agency next month. Ben Garland isn’t expected back with the franchise, which was first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wes Schweitzer, entering the final year of his rookie deal, is expecting a big jump in base salary from $630,000 to $2 million. Brandon Fusco, who suffered a scary ankle injury, is expected to be back for the 2019 preseason. Fusco started seven games before heading to injured reserve. If Schraeder can return to form, perhaps Sambrailo could be in the mix at guard. But it appears more likely that the Falcons will turn to free agency and the draft to address that position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cole World Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Quote Wes Schweitzer, entering the final year of his rookie deal, is expecting a big jump in base salary from $630,000 to $2 million. My thing is do they view Schweitzer as a NFL caliber starter in which they are willing to resign next offseason for starter money? If not, I could see a rookie like Garrett Bradbury or Elgton Jenkins being drafted and playing alongside Mack until his contract ends in two years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 So Levtrie is not coming back at all. I know he's a FA but the Falcons are not pursuing him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-train Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 21 minutes ago, Jesus said: So Levtrie is not coming back at all. I know he's a FA but the Falcons are not pursuing him. I doubt it. His upper body injury seems to be a serious issue at this point. He missed the last 3 regular season games of 2017 plus the two playoff games due to injury. Then missed another 14 games because of the exact same issue in 2018. That's 19 games missed over the past two seasons for a guy who will be 33 in May. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atljbo Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 33 minutes ago, Cole World said: My thing is do they view Schweitzer as a NFL caliber starter in which they are willing to resign next offseason for starter money? If not, I could see a rookie like Garrett Bradbury or Elgton Jenkins being drafted and playing alongside Mack until his contract ends in two years. We are def drafting a strating lineup... even if wes or Fusco don't win the starting job u need backups.. we just saw what injuries can do. I would be shocked if 2 of our first 4 picks are not olineman... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 10 minutes ago, atljbo said: We are def drafting a strating lineup... even if wes or Fusco don't win the starting job u need backups.. we just saw what injuries can do. I would be shocked if 2 of our first 4 picks are not olineman... Man I hope not. Rookie OLinemen usually get their ases handed to em. Especially in the playoffs. I hope we fix the OLine in free agency and go BPA. Don't get caught up in need or scheme. The scheme could be gone a year from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold4425 Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I don't understand this move at this time? Maybe after the FA period, Draft or June cuts but it seems like TD and DQ have made their decisions. Is our OL better with him? Have we greatly improved? How much money does this move tie up that could be used somewhere else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
federicofalcon2 Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Cole World said: My thing is do they view Schweitzer as a NFL caliber starter in which they are willing to resign next offseason for starter money? If not, I could see a rookie like Garrett Bradbury or Elgton Jenkins being drafted and playing alongside Mack until his contract ends in two years. I guess this depends on what they intend on doing with the two guard spots first. If they bring back wes and fusco, one of the surely should be a starter. or battle it out for one of the guard spots then either drafting a replacement or bringing in another FA. Either way we can't do too much overhaul without paying for players already on the roster even if we cut them, and/or replacing them with FAs without adding to a reduction in cap space. I think Wes is doable for now at his LG spot. Consistency is key. Placing and replacing players changes up so much that you never get enough familiarity in the lines. I don't think we will be drafting a lineman within the first 2 picks but wouldn't be upset if we picked up one in the 3rd as long as it wasn't a tackle. I feel the farther down the draft we get the more likely we'll see a huge dropoff in talent for that spot. And since I think we have bigger needs such as DT, Edge, and OG i just don't think OT will be a necessity especially if we can get Schraeder to take a pay cut, or if we cut him June 1 altogether, implementing a new player immediately whether its Ty or not. Levitre playing at his best was an awesome option, but that has come and gone so bringing him back would only increase the risk of losing another roster spot. I just feel being able to minimize the amount of spots to fill will not only get us better players in those spots, but not have to divide that much more money amongst new players than we already have to. Having Fusco and Wes battling it out for one spot, with loser being a very decent backup, drafting a G maybe in round 2 to start immediately allows us to focus on possibly only RT in FA, and focusing more on defense with remaining picks and spending money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989Fan Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Every year there are rookies that step in on the OL and play well, Just like any other position. Whether or not our brain trust can find one of those guys is another question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjerry Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 If they bring back Fusco, then I'd bet we go DL in round 1, take an OG in round 2, and then probably another OL later. If not, then you probably take a FA at OG for his replacement. For OT, you wait and see who doesn't get tagged, then see who meets your price point in the legal tampering period. If you can get your guy, then Schraeder is probably gone. If you can't, then you restructure him for one year, and let him and Sambrailo compete. I think they like Gono, and want to hold onto him for the future. I just don't see them banking on any of the OL in this draft being surefire day 1 starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATLFalcons11 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 This honestly tells me that we are going for one big name in free agency. That big name imo will not be DT or OL, but will be an Edge defender. Sambrailo will be a starter. His versatility to play G or T will allow flexibility in FA and/or the draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconsIn2012 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 1 hour ago, ATLFalcons11 said: This honestly tells me that we are going for one big name in free agency. That big name imo will not be DT or OL, but will be an Edge defender. Sambrailo will be a starter. His versatility to play G or T will allow flexibility in FA and/or the draft. So you have Wes & Ty handling the right side? The gameday threads would be entertaining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATLSlobberKnockers Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 8 hours ago, k-train said: I doubt it. His upper body injury seems to be a serious issue at this point. He missed the last 3 regular season games of 2017 plus the two playoff games due to injury. Then missed another 14 games because of the exact same issue in 2018. That's 19 games missed over the past two seasons for a guy who will be 33 in May. It's the same Injury that ended Kerneys career Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATLSlobberKnockers Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 1 hour ago, Falconsin2012 said: So you have Wes & Ty handling the right side? The gameday threads would be entertaining Wes isn't going back to the right side. He played fairly well at LG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raysnill1 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 8 hours ago, Falconsin2012 said: So you have Wes & Ty handling the right side? The gameday threads would be entertaining Wes needs to be on the left side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconsIn2012 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 33 minutes ago, raysnill1 said: Wes needs to be on the left side I brain farted about being sans Levitre. Yes, Wes is better between Matthews & Mack. So who goes between Mack & Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raysnill1 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 1 hour ago, Falconsin2012 said: I brain farted about being sans Levitre. Yes, Wes is better between Matthews & Mack. So who goes between Mack & Ty rookie or Fusco (if retained) it trips me out that so many are panicking over the O-line but if you go back and look at our games over, having an experienced play-caller and a RB with better vision improves the line greatly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 14 hours ago, 1989Fan said: Every year there are rookies that step in on the OL and play well, Just like any other position. Whether or not our brain trust can find one of those guys is another question. Dimi has drafted 11 Olinemen. Only one of em was worth a dam. He struggled mightily as a rookie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989Fan Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 9 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1970 said: Dimi has drafted 11 Olinemen. Only one of em was worth a dam. He struggled mightily as a rookie. Hence my comment saying if they can find one is another question. Matthews was okay before playing injured for a majority of the season. People dismiss that he was playing on an ankle sprain. i know, we all know, you believe there is no way a rookie can get the job done, but a handful of them do every single year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 38 minutes ago, 1989Fan said: Hence my comment saying if they can find one is another question. Matthews was okay before playing injured for a majority of the season. People dismiss that he was playing on an ankle sprain. i know, we all know, you believe there is no way a rookie can get the job done, but a handful of them do every single year. A handful? How bout one every few years. If Dimi wants to gamble on rookie Olinemen saving his job go right ahead. It's his job. Not mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 17 hours ago, FalconFanSince1970 said: Man I hope not. Rookie OLinemen usually get their ases handed to em. Especially in the playoffs. I hope we fix the OLine in free agency and go BPA. Don't get caught up in need or scheme. The scheme could be gone a year from now. This is said often and actually not true. Highly drafted offensive linemen do fairly well often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 39 minutes ago, g-dawg said: This is said often and actually not true. Highly drafted offensive linemen do fairly well often. Depends on what you mean by highly drafted. Only three of the twelve OLinemen taken in the first two rounds of the 2018 draft played well as rooks. Not great odds. Two of them were taken in the Top 10. Two played on the six man IND Oline. Who was the last Dimi drafted Olineman that played well as a rook? Let me save you some time researching the answer. There aint one. If Dimi gambles on fixing the Oline with rooks he might lose his job. The draft should be a long term roster building strategy, not an immediate, needs based hole filling strategy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey563 Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 18 hours ago, Jesus said: So Levtrie is not coming back at all. I know he's a FA but the Falcons are not pursuing him. unless he comes back at vet minimum and as being depth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 1 hour ago, FalconFanSince1970 said: If Dimi gambles on fixing the Oline with rooks he might lose his job. The draft should be a long term roster building strategy, not an immediate, needs based hole filling strategy. Do you see the irony of what you just said? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atljbo Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share Posted February 22, 2019 The Ravens happy with Orlando Brown Jr 0 sack play 49ers happy with mike mcglinchey early play I really don't need to do this on Quenton Nelson... STUD Lions are happy with Frank Ragnow play Will Hernandez flourishing after early season struggle I havnt brought up James Daniels or Branden Smith My point is you can find average or more play from young offensive lineman with upside to get better.ofc he will have mistakes but I wI'll have more confidence sticking him between jack matthews and mack.... Sticking a rookie between 2 vets. I'll rather have that then spend freeagent money on a vet that's going to give me average play with no up side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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