The Atlanta Falcons made an early free agent move on Monday by signing offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, according to Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com.
Gabe Carimi signs with Falcons
The 2011 first-round pick is getting another shot to play in the NFL.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Our latest mock draft
Blake Bortles is back on top in our last mock draft before the start of the NFL Combine. Carimi will add depth to an offensive line that was one of the worst units in the league last season, allowing Matt Ryan to be sacked a career-high 44 times. Carimi played the majority of his games at left guard in 2013, where he allowed one sack and one hurry, according to Pro Football Focus.
Carimi's early career in the NFL has been fraught with ups and downs. He was taken in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Chicago Bears to much fanfare. He was widely believed to be the best offensive tackle in the draft and a can't-miss prospect out of Wisconsin. Injuries plagued his early career and he was moved to offensive guard to mitigate his struggles, but that move didn't last long. Carimi was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 for a sixth-round pick in the 2014 draft.
Atlanta is lacking quality depth on the offensive line and Carimi finds himself with a rare opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps in the upcoming season.
See More:
