FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons signed Ra'Shede Hageman to a one-year deal Friday, giving a second chance to the defensive tackle the team released in 2017 after he was charged with domestic violence.
Hageman, 28, was a second-round pick out of the University of Minnesota in 2014. He started a combined 16 games in 2015 and 2016 but has been out of the league since his release by the Falcons after an incident with his girlfriend in 2016.
If the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Hageman makes the roster, he will be suspended for the first two games of the 2019 season for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy after a recent DWI arrest. League spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Associated Press all teams were informed of the suspension on April 5.
In a team release, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons believe in giving opportunities "when people take responsibility for their actions and are committed to change."
"We believe Ra'Shede understands that his conduct was wrong and has learned from his mistakes," Dimitroff said. "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."
Hageman had 18 tackles and two sacks in 2016. He was placed on the commissioner's exempt list on Sept. 2, 2017, as the NFL investigated charges filed by DeKalb County prosecutors related to the March 2016 incident at the home of his girlfriend. Hageman faced charges of battery, cruelty to children and interfering with calls for emergency assistance. He was released by the Falcons two days later.
"Ra'Shede has taken responsibility for his actions and continues to show genuine remorse as well as an ongoing commitment to getting better," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said in the release. "He has put in the work necessary for us to give him another opportunity."
Hageman's return came with the Falcons seeking to solidify the defensive tackle position, which is seen as one of the team's top needs entering next week's draft in Nashville.