The Atlanta Falcons have made a move to bolster their offensive line by signing free agent Jaryd Jones-Smith, according to a report by Aaron Wilson of KPRC. Jones-Smith most recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL during the spring season and was even named to the All-UFL team. Prior to his time in the UFL, he also had a stint with the Battlehawks in the XFL.
Jones-Smith began his professional football career as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh. He initially signed with the Houston Texans in 2018 and has since had brief stints with several other NFL teams including the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Washington Commanders.
Despite his journeyman status in the NFL, Jones-Smith has managed to appear in a total of six games throughout his career. He played three games with the Raiders in 2020 and another three games with the Ravens in 2021. While his playing time on offense has been limited to just two snaps, he has contributed significantly on special teams with a total of 27 snaps during regular season games.
The addition of Jones-Smith provides the Falcons with much-needed depth at the tackle position, offering support behind starters Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGary, and Storm Norton. Having a reliable backup is crucial in the NFL, as injuries and fatigue can often impact a team’s performance over the course of a grueling season.
With his experience playing in various professional football leagues and his willingness to contribute in any capacity, Jaryd Jones-Smith could prove to be a valuable asset for the Falcons as they prepare for the upcoming season. His versatility and work ethic will undoubtedly be put to the test as he competes for a spot on the team’s roster and aims to make a meaningful impact on the field.
As the Falcons continue to make moves to strengthen their roster, fans will be eager to see how Jones-Smith fits into the team’s plans and whether he can help improve the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as the NFL offseason progresses and teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming campaign.