Chester announced his retirement Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 11-year veteran spent his last two seasons with the Falcons, starting at right guard after stints with the Ravens and Redskins. With Chester gone and free agency it its latter stages, the Falcons will likely have to address filling his spot via the draft in April.

Chester signed with the Falcons on Monday. Chester, who was released by the Redskins last week, joins the Falcons after having started all 64 of Washington's regular season games over the past four years. That sort of experience figures to bolster an Atlanta offensive line that was decimated by poor play and injuries last season.

The Redskins have released Chester, the Washington Post reports. The release of Chester, who started every game for Washington over the last four seasons, saves the team $4 million against this year's salary cap. In Chester's absence, look for 2014 third-rounder Spencer Long to fill the open spot at right guard for the team.

Chris Chester took all of the first-team reps at right guard during Redskins spring practices. Chester has been a popular candidate for release since last season ended. The 31-year-old had a miserable year, and the Redskins then drafted Spencer Long in the third round of May's draft. Many in the organization believe Chester can bounce back in 2014. He hasn't missed a start in three seasons with Washington.

According to ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim, RG Chris Chester is "not a lock" to keep his job. The Redskins put Chester on notice when they selected G Spencer Long in the third round of last month's draft. They're going to give the rookie every opportunity to unseat Chester. Washington can save $2.6 million against the cap by releasing Chester, who signed a five-year, $20 million deal ahead of the 2011 season.

The Redskins can save $2.6 million against the salary cap by releasing RG Chris Chester. Chester is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $20 million contract and is coming off a season where he was pushed around with ease as a pass blocker. Although he's yet to miss a start in 48 games with the Redskins, Chester's play has been extremely inconsistent. Washington selected G Spencer Long in the third round. They'll give him every opportunity to unseat Chester this summer.

Redskins RG Chris Chester hasn't missed a snap since signing his five-year, $20 million contract in July 2011. That's 2,165 plays. Viewed as an overpay following the lockout, Chester did struggle in 2011, but was much improved in 2012. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 10 right guard as the Redskins led the league in rushing. Chester is due an affordable $3 million each of the next two seasons.

The Redskins plan to start Chris Chester at right guard. Chester couldn't hold down a starting job in Baltimore due to ineffectiveness, but the Redskins gave him $20 million. The 'Skins have one of the worst offensive lines in football and are planning to stage a full-blow competition between Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback. They are the leaders in the clubhouse for Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

Redskins agreed to terms on a five-year, $20 million contract with G/C Chris Chester. As they always do, the Redskins are overpaying for mediocre talent. Chester has struggled and eventually been benched anytime the Ravens tried to give him a long-term starting role. But the 'Skins are in desperate need of warm bodies on the offensive line and Chester fits the bill. He has connections to Redskins offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who spent three years with the Ravens between 2005-07.

The Baltimore Sun expects the Ravens to let free agent G/C test the open market. The Sun reported earlier in the week that Chester has been unhappy with his use in Baltimore, so it sounds like he'll be doing a lot more than testing the market. A backup level talent, Chester has primarily played guard the past three seasons, but is a competent center. His versatility should be an asset as he peddles his wares.