Commanders HC Confirm Another Leave Of An Experienced Star, Who Play For Falcons

Atlanta Falcons faced a difficult task this season, but they overcame it with the help of an experienced player from Washington Commanders.

In their need for defensive line support, the Atlanta Falcons have turned to James Smith-Williams, a former edge defender with the Washington Commanders.

The necessity to get a pass rusher this summer has been discussed extensively by Terry Fontenot, general manager, and head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris.

Furthermore, Atlanta could be getting closer to completing its defensive line with a new member.

According to the NFL’s visit release report, former Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams visited the Falcons on Saturday.

The Commanders took the 6-4, 265-pound Smith-Williams in the eighth round of the 2020 draft, but he has performed better than expected, playing in 55 games over four seasons in Washington with 27 starts.

Smith-Williams has accumulated 85 total tackles, 7 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 31 quarterback hits thus far in his career. In 2022, he started all 14 games and recorded three sacks, five tackles for loss, and sixteen quarterback hits, making it his most productive year to date.

Smith-Williams participated in 13 games last season, starting seven of them. He recorded 22 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits.

The 27-year-old Smith-Williams began his professional career in 2020 by accounting for more than 70% of Washington’s special teams snaps. However, in the previous two years, he has only played 41 snaps in total during the third phase of the game.

When Smith-Williams was drafted, Falcons associate general manager Kyle Smith served as the Commanders’ vice president of player personnel, fostering a natural bond between the player and front office executives.

Additionally, Smith-Williams is represented by Priority Sports & Entertainment, the same agency that represents Kirk Cousins, the recently signed quarterback, and Ta’Quon Graham, the defensive tackle for the Falcons.

Morris stated that acquiring a pass rusher is a “definite priority” for Atlanta. Smith-Williams would not prevent the team from signing more, but he would offer a seasoned player at a position where depth is currently lacking.

However, as of right now, Smith-Williams and the Falcons have not reached an agreement.