Falcons and Chris Lindstrom reach agreement, becomes highest paid guard in NFL

Per Mike Garafolo, the terms of the deal are five years and worth $105 million, which would be $21 million per year.

Chris Lindstrom is one of the most talented players at his position and will be well compensated for his 2022 breakout campaign, which ended with All-Pro honors. The 2019 first-round pick is set to play the 2023 season on his fifth-year option, which will pay him just north of $13 million.

Lindstrom has established himself as one of the best guards in the league. He just earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career and has made it known that he wants to remain in Atlanta.

“I want to be a Falcon for my whole career,” Chris Lindstrom said via Sports Illustrated.

For the upcoming season, Quenton Nelson ($20 million), Elgton Jenkins ($17 million), Brandon Scherff ($16.5 million), Joe Thuney ($16 million), and Joel Bitonio ($16 million) lead all guards in average annual contract value. And Lindstrom will top them all.

I guessed that a deal worth about $75-85 million over five years would be fair for both sides, but Lindstrom will re-set the guard market with his new deal. He certainly deserves the big payday, but generally speaking, paying a guard $20+ million isn’t conducive to building a sustainable winner.

Regardless, congratulations to Chris Lindstrom, and the Falcons for locking up one of their best players!