Falcons To Tender RFAs Worrilow, Schraeder

The Falcons intend to extend second-round tender offers to restricted free agent linebacker Paul Worrilow and offensive tackle Ryan Schraeder, reports Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. The contract tenders will be worth $2.553MM, and will keep Worrilow and Schraeder from becoming unrestricted free agents.Paul Worrilow

Manning the middle of the Falcons’ defense, Worrilow has been the team’s leading tackler in his first three seasons in the NFL. The former undrafted free agent, who turns 26 in May, has averaged 122 tackles from 2013 to 2015, and grabbed the first two interceptions of his career in 2015.

Still, Pro Football Focus ranked Worrilow 80th out of 97 qualified linebackers, based on the site’s 2015 grades. PFF was particularly hard on Worrilow’s performance as a run defender, grading him a bit higher for his coverage and pass-rush skills. The Falcons are reportedly bringing in veteran free agent James Laurinaitis for a visit today, so it seems the team is mulling other options at the middle linebacker spot, even as they prepare to tender Worrilow.

Pro Football Focus was significantly higher on Schraeder’s performance as Atlanta’s right tackle. In his first season starting all 16 games for the club, the Valdosta State product graded as PFF’s fifth overall tackle, earning PFF’s fourth-best pass-blocking grade at the position.

The Falcons will receive a second-round pick as compensation if another team signs either player to an offer sheet that Atlanta decides not to match.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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