NFL teams
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Chris Chester joins Falcons days after Redskins release

NFL, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins

The Atlanta Falcons have signed veteran offensive guard Chris Chester to a one-year, $2.8 million contract, a league source told ESPN.com.

Chester, 32, was released by the Washington Redskins earlier this week after 64 starts at right guard. He began his career as a second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2006.

In Washington, Chester played under current Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who held the same title with the Redskins. Chester is familiar with Shanahan's outside-zone blocking scheme and is known for having good footwork for the running game.

The Falcons have a void at left guard after releasing veteran Justin Blalock, who was a better pass protector than run-blocker. Newcomer Mike Person, last with the St. Louis Rams, has been running with the first team at left guard. Chester appears destined to take over that role if the team elects to keep fellow veteran Jon Asamoah at right guard. Asamoah is not exactly the best fit for the zone-blocking scheme, but he's a solid pass protector for Matt Ryan.

James Stone, currently running with the first team at center, could be a left guard candidate once center Joe Hawley fully recovers from ACL and MCL tears in his knee.

Chester will be the second former Redskins starting offensive lineman to join the Falcons this offseason. The team recently signed tackle Tyler Polumbus to a one-year contract.

The Falcons also signed former Redskins receivers Leonard Hankerson and Nick Williams, both of whom previously played in Shanahan's scheme.

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