Ryan Neuzil secures his financial future with a $9.5 million contract, transforming from practice squad to NFL starter.
Ryan Neuzil secured a pivotal two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in his NFL career as a center. After climbing from a practice squad position to a key starter during the previous season, this deal reflects his growing value in the fiercely competitive NFL landscape.
Atlanta Falcons Commit to Ryan Neuzil Following a Breakout Season
The Atlanta Falcons chose to retain Ryan Neuzil after he became a restricted free agent, signaling their confidence in his abilities at an integral role on the offensive line. Neuzil’s contract, worth $9.5 million over two years, assures him a consistent presence in the starting lineup without placing undue strain on the team’s salary cap. This contract follows a 2024 campaign where Neuzil appeared in all 17 games and started eight, demonstrating reliability and steady performance that translated into reliable protection for their rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Neuzil’s playtime in 2024 included 577 offensive snaps without allowing a single sack, a standout statistic for any offensive lineman. Additionally, he only committed one penalty all season, underscoring his precision and discipline. This level of consistency turned his emergency fill-in role into a central starting position for the Falcons.
Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged Neuzil’s impact, stating,
Image of: Ryan Neuzil
“We had eight games that he was able to go out there and be competitive and play at a very high level,”
highlighting the player’s successful transition to a more permanent role on the team. With former starting centerDrew Dalman moving to the Chicago Bears, Neuzil stepped into the vacancy, effectively becoming a lynchpin on the Falcons’ offensive line.
Ryan Neuzil’s Journey from Undrafted Rookie to Valuable Starter
Ryan Neuzil’s ascension to a $9.5 million contract is rooted in his undeniable grit and adaptability throughout the 2024 season. After joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Appalachian State in 2021, he began on the Falcons’ practice squad. His path to the active roster required perseverance and constant improvement, all while adapting to the challenges presented by NFC South defenses at the line of scrimmage.
Neuzil’s 577 snaps of action over the year exposed him to a variety of defensive tactics, developing his skills against top-tier opposition. Offensive line specialist Dewayne Ledford praised his physicality, calling him
“very explosive … a lot of power,”
attributes essential to protecting Penix Jr. and maintaining offensive stability. These qualities translated into valuable assets for Atlanta’s young quarterback and shifting offensive schemes.
The $9.5 million contract for two years elevates Neuzil’s earnings significantly beyond the league minimums he received during his first three seasons. Although precise net worth figures remain undisclosed due to taxes and agent fees, the contract creates a solid financial foundation that enables the player to plan long-term security and lifestyle improvements. This earnings boost affords Neuzil opportunities to invest in his future away from the field, such as purchasing a second home or enhancing financial stability for his family.
While this deal might not place him among the NFL’s highest-paid players, the agreement confirms Ryan Neuzil’s status as an indispensable figure on the Falcons’ roster. His journey from fighting for a practice-squad spot to earning millions of dollars exemplifies how persistence and performance can shape a player’s career trajectory in professional football.
Implications for the Falcons’ Offensive Line and Future Outlook
Neuzil’s contract signifies more than personal achievement; it stabilizes the Falcons’ interior offensive line amid transitions. With Drew Dalman’s exit to Chicago, Neuzil’s enhanced role shows the team’s trust in his capabilities to serve as a reliable foundation in front of a developing quarterback. His consistency and low error rate mitigate disruption on the line, critical for an offense integrating a rookie signal-caller like Penix Jr.
The Falcons’ front office approach to Neuzil’s contract also reflects a strategic balance between rewarding proven contributors and managing salary cap flexibility. Neuzil’s deal is a model of moderate but fair compensation tied directly to demonstrated performance, setting a precedent for future contract negotiations with players rising from depth roles to starting prominence.
The next steps for Ryan Neuzil likely involve building on this contract foundation by continuing to refine his technique and leadership on the field. As he accumulates more experience and exposure, there is potential for even greater roles or contract escalations, contingent on sustained performance and team success.
