Atlanta Falcons: Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman released

After being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List for a March 2016 domestic violence charge, DT Ra’Shede Hageman has been released by the Atlanta Falcons

He was originally selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, but defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman never fully reached his potential. He recorded 62 tackles and four sacks in his three seasons. Even with the modest numbers there was a lot of hope that he could finally become a big contributor in 2017.

That won’t happen now as the team announced on Monday morning that they have informed Hagemen of his release from the club. This comes just days after learning that he was being placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List as he was being investigated for a March 2016 domestic violence accusation.

For anyone wondering the difference between Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott — who is appealing a suspension for domestic violence — and Hageman, the answer comes down to charges being filed. While Elliott’s suspension finally happened this offseason, he was under investigation for all of 2016 by the league, but never placed on the list that keeps players off the field despite not being suspended.

This has been common practice as the league also place former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy on it as well. Peterson was charged with charges of violence against a child and Hardy was convicted of domestic abuse and was appealing the case through the courts.

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In the end, the Falcons decided that Hageman’s charge and placement on the exempt list was too much to deal with and have parted ways with the once-promising player.