Neuzil’s NFL experience has almost exclusively been at center, and he has the 15th-highest Pro Football Focus grade among all NFL centers who have played at least 50% of their team’s snaps this season.
He could also cross-train at guard to give the Ravens more options. The Ravens released center/guard Kyle Hergel on Tuesday upon completion of the trade.
Originally undrafted out of Appalachian State in 2021, Neuzil developed in Atlanta under the coaching of Dwayne Ledford, the Ravens’ Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach. That should help him make a smooth transition to Baltimore.
The Ravens signed Neuzil’s previous backup in Atlanta, Jovaughn Gwyn, in free agency this offseason, and he started the team’s first three games before suffering a long-term knee injury in Brazil.
Neuzil signed a two-year, reported $9.5 million extension with the Falcons before the 2025 season and is in a contract year. If he were to sign elsewhere next offseason, it could net the Ravens a compensatory pick for 2028 that could offset the pick Baltimore traded to Atlanta.
Sitting at 4-5 and in last place in the AFC North, there were questions about whether the Ravens would be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
General Manager Eric DeCosta had already added Jurgens and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and he wasn’t done bolstering the Ravens with another addition on the offensive line.