The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom has signed a five-year contract extension, making him reportedly the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
ESPN reported that the deal, which will keep Lindstrom with the Falcons through the 2028 season, is worth $105 million. Lock down another key member of the offensive line, with left tackle Jake Matthews under contract through 2026.
Lindstrom’s average of $21 million per season tops Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson’s $20.2 million annual average, according to ESPN.
Lindstrom, 26, was Atlanta’s top pick in 2019 out of Boston College. He has started 55 games over his four-year career, missing only one time when he went down with a broken foot as a rookie.
Lindstrom was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season after starting all 17 games at right guard and anchoring a line that opened holes for the NFL’s third-best rushing attack. The Falcons averaged 159.9 yards per game on the ground.
According to Pro Football Focus evaluators, Lindstrom led all offensive linemen with a 95.0 grade.
Lindstrom has only been called for just one holding penalty in his career.
The contract extension for Lindstrom is expected to be part of a series of spending sprees by the Falcons, who entered free agency with about $50 million in cap space.
Atlanta is looking to make a big move in 2023 after five consecutive losing seasons.
Report from The Associated Press.
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