Defensive end/tackle Cliff Matthews, a former Falcons draft pick, was signed to the team on Wednesday.

The team also signed linebacker Josh Keyes to the practice squad.

To make room for Matthews they released veteran safety Dashon Goldson.

Matthews was originally drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round (230th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He saw action in 32 games for Atlanta and made 20 total tackles.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) reacts with teammates after scoring his team's third touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. 
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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

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