GM Terry Fontenot: Falcons 'Want to Build Around' OL Chris Lindstrom

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot revealed why he made Chris Lindstrom the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history.

The Atlanta Falcons enjoyed a busy start to free agency by making several splash signings, including Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata.

But Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot set the tone early - just minutes before the legal tampering period opened - as he gave starting right guard Chris Lindstrom a five-year, $105 million contract, the largest ever given to an interior offensive lineman.

A reigning Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection and Pro Football Focus' highest-rated player, Lindstrom has plenty of the accolades needed to warrant such a deal ... but there's more to it.

In an interview with AtlantaFalcons.com, Fontenot stressed Lindstrom's collective impact - as much off the field as on it.

"He embodies all of the characteristics and traits of the program we want to be," Fontenot said. "The person he is, the way he operates, the way he competes on a daily basis, obviously he has a lot of physical talent.

"He's the type of guy we want to build around."

Lindstrom was Atlanta's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, an indication of his value in the community.

The 2019 first-round pick was called for only two penalties and gave up just two sacks last season, per PFF, and started every game for the third consecutive season.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith praised the jump Lindstrom made from his third season to his fourth, even with the arrow already pointing up.

This isn't something felt solely within Atlanta's locker room - though technically, those in support of Lindstrom's development have only increased this offseason, as Onyemata heaped praise on his new teammate during his introductory press conference.

"I got to play him a couple times, played him last year, and you can just tell, he's a player who's, over the years, got better and been playing at a high level," Onyemata said. "Like last year, the season he put together, he locked it down." 

By all accounts - be it coaches, executives or opposing players - the 25-year-old Lindstrom is still an ascending player ... while already ranking amongst the league's best at his position and leading the way off the field.

And now, he's paid as such - and the Falcons have locked up a foundational piece through the 2028 season as a result.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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