FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons' re-signing of Chris Chester sets up a battle with Mike Person for the starting right guard spot.
Person, who started 14 games at center last season, is moving to right guard spot, Falcons coach Dan Quinn told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently.
Person, who had never started an NFL game until last season nor played center, will return to his natural position. He struggled snapping the ball last season and eventually lost the starting job to Gino Gradkowski for the regular-season finale.
With the signing of center Alex Mack in free agency, the Falcons will slide Person over to right guard. Chester, 33, who signed an incentive laden, one-year deal, will compete to retain his starting spot.
Person, 27, beat out James Stone, Joe Hawley and Gradkowski to win the center job. The Falcons always thought that Person could start are either guard or center. The team remains high on Person as a guard.
Chester, had offseason shoulder surgery after playing 100 percent of the offensive snaps (1,140) last season. He also played 60 snaps on special teams.
Chester is the Falcons’ most-seasoned linemen. He’s played in 153 NFL games and has made 127 starts.
The Falcons were trying to upgrade the position this offseason and still may pick a guard in the draft.
The Falcons tried to land former Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy, but he signed a five-year, $32.5 million deal with Tampa Bay. The Falcons also had Ted Larsen in for a visit, but he signed a one-year, $1.65 million deal with Chicago.
Andy Levitre was the team starting left guard last season.
Also, guards Ben Garland, Adam Replogle, Collin Rahrig are on the roster.
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