FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Today's Early Bird Report includes the news that guard Ben Garland has signed his second-round tender offer with the Falcons as well as an NFC South rival adding a new defender.
Enjoy!
FALCONS HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
*AJC: *Ben Garland signed $2.9 million tender offer
Falcons offensive guard Ben Garland signed his $2.9 million second-round tender offer over the weekend, according to a report by D. Orlando Ledbetter of *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. *
Ledbetter, citing the NFL's transactions list, notes that no offer sheet was executed, meaning no other team made an offer to sign Garland as a restricted free agent. The Falcons have focused on adding to the guard position this offseason, signing former 49ers lineman Brandon Fusco earlier in free agency and placing a second-round tender on Garland.
Fusco and Garland make up a position group that also includes 2017 starters Andy Levitre and Wes Schweitzer. Those four players, along with 2017 draft pick Sean Harlow, give the Falcons several options to evaluate for the upcoming season.
Here are more articles for Falcons fans:
BIGGEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE NFL
ESPN: Vinny Curry agrees to three-year deal with Bucs
The Falcons' NFC South rivals appear intent on trying to maintain impactful defensive lines. After the Panthers lost defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, they added former Falcons defender Dontari Poe. Now, the Buccaneers have undergone some change along their defensive front.
According to a tweet by ESPN's Jenna Laine, the Bucs will sign former Eagles defensive tackle Vinny Curry to a three-year deal.
Just after Laine reported the move, the Bucs official Twitter account announced the release of defensive end Robert Ayers.
Last season, Curry recorded 42 tackles and three sacks for the Super Bowl champion Eagles, and he registered three tackles in Philadelphia's playoff win against Atlanta. Curry joins a defensive line that also includes defensive tackle Vinny Curry and former Eagles teammate Beau Allen.
Here are some more articles from around the league:
- NFL.com: Jets obtain No. 3 pick from Colts
- The Ringer: The Jets bet their future on the No. 3 pick
- CBS Sports: Patriots trade for Raiders wideout Patterson
