Quinn discusses free-agent additions

Falcons

ORLANDO, FLA. — coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings, covering a variety of topics, including what he expects from three newcomers added in free agency:

■ On Brandon Fusco, who was signed to a three-year, $12.75 million deal to compete with Wes Schweitzer for the starting right guard position:

“When we went into free agency, between Thomas (Dimitroff ) and I, there was kind of plan between free agency and the draft. These are some of the needs of the club. The interior spot at guard, we definitely wanted to address.

“We added Fusco after looking at the guards and centers. Sometimes it’s the centers who can play guard, too. … What we came out with is a guy in Fusco, who has really good pass protection ability. That was one of the topics in our scheme that we felt we really wanted to address inside.”

■ On cornerback Justin Bethel, a three-time special teams Pro Bowler, who was a sixth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2012 out of Presbyterian:

“With Bethel, the first thing that jumps out is the speed,” Quinn said. “That’s where it starts. He’s had a terrific background on special teams. For us, that’s a real area of emphasis going into the offseason. How do we improve our starting field position in terms of how we cover?

“That goes into kickoff coverage. That goes into punt coverage. His experience outside at gunner. That’s where you better make sure you have two in the vise. If he gets singled, he’s going to get a lot of tackles.”

■ On tight end Logan Paulsen, who was signed to a one-year, $1.005 million contract:

“We’ve watched Logan for awhile,” Quinn said. “He came out of UCLA. At the line of scrimmage is where he is best. It’s the physicality with blocking an outside linebacker or a defensive end.

“We wanted that as part of our game and (for it to be) really intact. He brings that to our game in terms of playing in-line.”