FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand.
Hand was a fourth-round selection of the Detroit Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft following a standout career at the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-3, 302-pound lineman has the versatility to play multiple techniques on Atlanta's front, giving defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich the flexibility he looks for to deploy a hybrid scheme.
"There's a huge investment in defense, especially the defensive line and front," Ulbrich said earlier this offseason when asked about what he learned from watching teams in the 2025 NFL postseason. "To me, that's where championship teams are built, not just championship defenses. I saw this graphic about every playoff team and their investment in their defensive line, whether it be draft capital or money, and the top defensive lines in the NFL were all the playoff teams."
Hand spent the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers and started 13 games for a defense that ranked fifth in total yards and passing yards allowed per game, and eighth in rushing yards allowed per game. He logged 29 tackles, including 5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 pass defenses and an interception.
In his eight-year career, Hand has also played for the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins in addition to the Lions and Chargers. He has appeared in 77 games with 26 starts, recording 131 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 pass defenses and 4 forced fumbles.
"It seems like there is just new energy in the building," Hand said about joining the Falcons' organization. "I'm ready to come in and help create a championship atmosphere."
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has made it known that he values building through the trenches. Hand joins defensive lineman Chris Williams and defensive end Cameron Thomas as new additions to Atlanta's defense this offseason. The Falcons also re-signed defensive tackle LaCale London, who had five sacks last season.
David Onyemata, a veteran presence for Atlanta on the interior of their defense the last three seasons, signed with the New York Jets as a free agent this offseason. Hand will help bolster the interior depth and talent level in his absence.
"Being able to play with freedom," Hand said of moving forward working within Ulbrich's scheme. "Not thinking too much, and just being a dog and making plays."
The NFL's new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m., meaning teams can now officially sign free agents and finalize trades. Visit our 2026 Free Agency Tracker to stay up to date on the Falcons in free agency.
