Atlanta Falcons Release DT Ra’Shede Hageman

The Atlanta Falcons make a key move to their roster as they release the former 2014 2nd round draft pick, Ra’Shede Hageman.

Due to a pending domestic violence investigation, the Atlanta Falcons have decided to release former defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman.

Entering his fourth season as a pro, Hageman was a second-round pick by the Falcons in the 2014 NFL Draft. Hageman has career totals of 40 tackles and four sacks. He played in 44 games during his three seasons in Atlanta and started 15 of those games.

A statement has been issued by the Falcons in regards to the departure of Hageman:

“The Atlanta Falcons today terminated the contract of Ra’Shede Hageman, who was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Sept. 2. The organizational decision to move forward without Hageman was made by the Falcons after a thorough investigative process by local authorities.”

In March of 2016, allegations surfaced that Hageman was involved in a domestic violence dispute and charged by prosecutors in DeKalb County, Georgia. The league’s investigation is still pending at this time. Hageman was placed on the Commissioner Exempt List on Sept. 2 due to the incident.

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The depth at the defensive tackle position takes a slight hit for the Falcons. It leaves the team with currently only three true defensive tackles on their active roster.

There is a possibility the team will add to the position from the pool of free agent linemen. Names such as Ahtyba Rubin (recently waived by the Seattle Seahawks) and Joe Vellano (Falcons practice squad member) have been tossed around as possibilities to fill the role.