Rex Grossman to Falcons: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Atlanta Falcons have added another name to the mix to back up starting quarterback Matt Ryan, signing Rex Grossman to a one-year deal Wednesday, per Pro Football Talk on Twitter. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reported the signing. The team announced the deal later in the day.

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the deal is worth $1 million, the minimum for a veteran with his experience. The Falcons waived Evan Royster to make room for Grossman, per McClure.

With T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree struggling behind Ryan during training camp, Grossman immediately becomes the favorite to win the backup gig. A former starter who led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl, Grossman, 35, last appeared in a game in 2011 with Washington, throwing for 3,151 yards, 16 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 13 starts that season.

He was out of football in 2014 after the Cleveland Browns cut him during preseason. 

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan—who was also Grossman's offensive coordinator when the pair were in Washington—is a big fan of Grossman, as he told McClure:

"

I loved Rex because he was so tough. Rex would hang in there, get the crap knocked out of him every week. He never flinched. He'd hang in there and take all the hits.

He didn't mind the pressure on him. He'd let it sling every time. Sometimes, I'd have to tell Rex that he was letting it sling around a little too much and that you might have to take a sack here or throw it away. But the thing I loved about Rex is how much he competed.

"

Robert Littal of BlackSportsOnline.com stated it was a wise investment on Grossman's part:

Grossman will give Atlanta a veteran presence at the position and a steady option should Ryan go down to injury, though obviously the hope will be that he never actually sees the field. In all likelihood, Grossman will have a permanent spot on the bench, as Ryan hasn't missed a regular-season game in five years.