Getty Rashaad Coward #69 of the Chicago Bears blocks D.J. Wonnum #98 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Atlanta Falcons added some much-needed help to their offensive line this week by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Rashaad Coward, ESPN’s Michael Rothstein reported.
Coward brings versatility to the Falcons’ roster, having played at multiple positions, including defensive end before moving to the offensive line.
Falcons sign OG Rashaad Coward to a futures contract. Coward started his career as a DE and moved to the OL. Was in Chicago with Dave Ragone and Charles London.
Has been with Chicago, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. Had 15 starts between 2019 & 2020 with the Bears.
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Coward Went Undrafted in 2017
Coward, 27, went undrafted out of Old Dominion but what signed by the Chicago Bears following the 2017 draft.
The 6-foot-5, 326-pound defensive end spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad and was elevated for just one game in Week 14 against the Bengals.
He re-signed with the Bears for 2018, but this time as an offensive lineman. Coward found more success on the offensive side of the ball and started 10 games in 2019 at right guard after Kyle Long was sidelined with a season-ending injury. He returned in 2020 for five more starts in the Windy City.
Just this past season, Coward split his time playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars. He played only one game for Jacksonville and four for the Steelers, primarily on special teams.
With the Falcons offensive line in desperate need of help, Coward could see himself back in a starting role if all goes well this offseason.
Falcons Sign 19 Other Reserve/Futures Contracts
Coward joins 20 other new Falcons players who signed reserve/futures contracts during the month of January.
Here is the full list so far:
DB Cornell Armstrong
OL Willie Beavers
OLB Quinton Bell
LB Jordan Brailford
LB Dorian Etheridge
WR Chad Hansen
RB Caleb Huntley
DB Luther Kirk
P Dom Maggio
OL Ryan Neuzil
DB Lafayette Pitts
TE John Raine
LB Rashad Smith
DE Nick Thurman
WR Austin Trammell
DB DeAundre Alford
WR/TE Brayden Lenius
CB/KR Corey Ballentine
OLB Duke Ejiofor
TE Daniel Helm
OL Rashaad Coward
Coward is already listed on the Falcons depth chart, per ESPN, as the third-string right guard behind Chris Lindstrom and Drew Dalman. Lindstrom was the Falcons starter all season long and allowed zero sacks––the only guard to do that in 2021. As for Dalman, the Falcons drafted him in the fourth round last March and he played a few snaps at center to give Matt Hennessey a break and rotated in at both guard spots during the preseason games. He will be the player for Coward to beat out this summer.
The Falcons also have signed futures deals with offensive linemen Willie Beavers and Ryan Neuzil. Beavers adds right tackle depth behind Kaleb McGary and Colby Gossett, while Neuzil currently sits behind Josh Andrews and Jalen Mayfield at left guard.
Of course, this depth chart isn’t official but it gives you an idea as to who will be competing for a starting spot this offseason.
Stay tuned for who Atlanta signs next!
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