Report: Atlanta Falcons sign veteran DL Da’Shawn Hand

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Hand started in all 13 of his appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

He tallied 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four pass deflections last season. He’s been a regular contributor in the league since 2018, when the Detroits Lions selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

In total, Hand has amassed 77 career appearances and 26 starts. He joins a Falcons defense that was a middle-of-the-road defense last season, ranking 15th in total yards allowed per game.

However, it’s worth noting that the Falcons’ defense recorded the second most sacks in the NFL with 57. They only trailed the Denver Broncos.

Da’Shawn Hand won’t be the only fresh face for the Falcons next season. The organization is entering a new era after hiring head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was the Browns’ HC from 2020-25. Falcons president of football Matt Ryan is confident in the hire.

“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation,” Ryan said. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture.

“His experience in Cleveland and Minnesota has given him a great understanding of the importance of working in sync with scouting, personnel and the rest of the football staff to maximize talent across the roster and in doing everything possible to put our players in the best position to succeed. Kevin’s style of leadership, combined with the staff and infrastructure in place here in Atlanta, gives us confidence in our shared vision for the team and we are excited to have him as the leader of our football team.”

Head coach isn’t the only position the Falcons replaced. The organization completed a complete staff overhaul, also hiring offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

The Falcons’ most notable free agency signing thus far is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who the Miami Dolphins released following this past season. Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will compete for the Falcons’ starting spot behind center this year.