The Falcons have signed a 2011 first-round pick with an eye on bolstering their offensive line.
The club announced the signing of former Buccaneers and Bears tackle/guard Gabe Carimi on Monday. PFT also confirmed the addition of Carimi.
The Buccaneers released the 25-year-old Carimi on February 10.
A Wisconsin product, Carimi (6-7, 316) was the Bears’ No. 1 pick three years ago. He will work again with Mike Tice, who is now the Falcons’ offensive line coach after serving as Chicago’s line coach and offensive coordinator in Carimi’s first two pro seasons (2011-2012). The Bears traded Carimi to Tampa Bay last June.
Carimi played in 14 games for the Buccaneers in 2013, starting two games at left guard and one game as a tight end. The previous season, he started 11 games at right tackle and three games at right guard for Chicago.
Carimi’s Wisconsin teammate, Peter Konz, is a center/guard for Atlanta. Falcons fullback Bradie Ewing also played with Carimi at Wisconsin.