Atlanta Falcons decided to give defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman a second chance after releasing him in 2017. The team announced on Friday that they have signed Hageman a one year deal.
Falcons parted ways with Hageman in February 2017 after he faced domestic abuse charges which have been later dropped. The 28-year-old hasn’t played football since.
“As an organization, we believe in opportunities when people take responsibility for their actions and are committed to change,” – said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff in a statement. “We believe Ra’Shede understands that his conduct was wrong and has learned from his mistakes. He has met the obligations of the court in his prior matters and worked hard over the last two years including community service, intensive course work, and rehab. That said, we understand the seriousness of his actions, and he knows we will not tolerate abusive behavior in any form.
Ra’Shede Hageman was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by Atlanta Falcons and ended up providing 16 tackles and 1.0 sack in his rookie season. He followed that up with 27 tackles and 1.0 sack the next year and 18 tackles and 2.0 sacks a year after that.
Although Hageman might never reach the potential he had entering the NFL, Falcons are hoping he could at least revert to the player he was before being released and provide them with a badly needed depth in the defensive line.
