Falcons sign Wayne Gallman, release Qadree Ollison

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31:  Running back Wayne Gallman #9 of the Clemson Tigers lines up during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 31-0.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Credit: Christian Petersen

Credit: Christian Petersen

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Running back Wayne Gallman #9 of the Clemson Tigers lines up during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 31-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Running back Wayne Gallman signed with the Falcons on Thursday, and the team released Qadree Ollison.

Gallman, who’s from Loganville and played at Grayson High and Clemson, was a fourth-round pick of the Giants in 2017. He has rushed 336 times for 1,444 yards (4.3 avg.) and scored nine touchdowns over four NFL seasons. He also has caught 80 passes for 498 yards (6.2 avg.) and two touchdowns in his career.

Gallman, who’s 6-0 and 216 pounds, most recently was with San Francisco.

Ollison, a fifth-round pick in 2019, showed promise as a short-yardage back in his rookie season, but played sparingly in 2020 because the former staff thought he was a liability in pass protection.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot had a long talk with Ollison on the field after practice Thursday before he ran into the locker room.

Caleb Huntley was the top back in the exhibition season, as he rushed 20 times for 91 yards (4.6). Ollison rushed 12 times for 42 yards (3.5). D’Onta Foreman rushed 16 times for 59 yards.

Huntley and Foreman were signed to the practice squad.

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