When the Falcons were preparing for what was viewed as their “redemption season” in 2017, Ra’Shede Hageman’s role appeared to be unclear. The signings of Dontari Poe and Jack Crawford made him somewhat expendable. His roster spot wasn’t necessarily at risk, especially coming off his best season in Atlanta. What was uncertain was the role he would play on a suddenly ultra-talented defensive line. That uncertainty changed on September 2nd when Hageman had been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list.
After facing domestic violence charges stemming from a March 2016 incident, the league decided to take action.