Running back Ito Smith, who finished last season atop the depth chart, was released by the Falcons on Thursday.
With the signing of Cordarrelle Patterson as a 6-foot-2 and 227-pound running back, Smith, who’s 5-9 and 195 pounds, was expendable. The Falcons now have Mike Davis, Patterson, Qadree Ollison and Tony Brooks-James at the running back position.
The Falcons took on a $155,122 salary-cap dead hit on Smith’s contract, which was set to pay him a $750,000 base salary.
Smith was selected in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft out of Southern Mississippi.
Smith rushed 175 times for 689 yards and had 55 catches for 314 yards and six total touchdowns.
Smith rushed for 268 yards on 63 carries (4.3 avg.) and one touchdown and registered 17 receptions for 75 yards (4.4 avg.) in 14 games last season.
Falcons’ 2021 draft position: Here are the top 10 picks in D. Led’s Mock Draft 4.0:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, (QB, BYU)
3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
4. Atlanta Falcons: Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon)
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase (WR, LSU)
6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
8. Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)
9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain (CB, Alabama)
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