FLOWERY BRANCH — Mike Person, who started 14 games at center last season, is moving to the vacant starting right guard spot.
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. Last season’s starter, Chris Chester was not re-signed.
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.
Person and the line did come together in the outside zone blocking scheme and paved the way for running back Devonta Freeman to rush for more 1,056 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
The Falcons also gave up 32 sacks and 89 quarterback hits.
Person is set to make $1 million base salary in 2016.
Before being signed by the Falcons on March 10, 2015, Person spent time with Seattle and St. Louis. He played in college for Montana State.
The Falcons start offseason conditioning on April 18.
