DT Da’Shawn Hand Signs With Falcons

Hand’s story is one of patience and determination. Finding his way to the NFL as a fourth-round pick out of Alabama, Hand found himself playing a big role as a rookie, starting eight games while appearing in 13. Injuries derailed Hand’s sophomore campaign; he missed the first six weeks of the season, made two starts in three appearances over the next seven, and spent the last three weeks on injured reserve.

While he returned to health in his third year, he found himself coming off the bench, and injuries continued to plague his time in Detroit which came to an early end partway through the final year of his rookie contract. Even in short stints with the Colts and Titans, his health continued to serve as a handicap. Injuries limited him to 10 games in 2020, four games in 2021, and a single game in 2022.

In 2023, Hand got a fresh start in Miami and reached a new high, playing in 16 games, the most for a season at that point in his career. He even improved upon that number with a fully healthy 2024 campaign, appearing in 17 games and even earning two starts. Those two improved seasons earned him an opportunity with the Chargers last year, and Hand made the best of it by earning a full-time starting role for the first time in his career. He did, unfortunately, find his way back to IR, but after the four-game minimum had passed, Hand slid right back into his starting spot to finish the season with 13 games.

The Falcons will hope to continue building off that momentum as it looks like Hand could compete with 2024 second-round defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro for snaps on the interior. Ohorhoro has struggled mightily in his first two years out of Clemson, and Hand may serve as a bit of insurance if Ohorhoro continues not to live up to his draft stock in Year 3.