Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons sign Matthews; release Goldson

By
Oct 19, 2016

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.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field after the game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Michael Penix’s season is over before Falcons know if he’s the answer

Michael Penix hasn’t proved over 12 starts that he can be a consistently good NFL starter, much less the franchise QB, and now he will have to recover from ACL surgery.

What’s the plan for Falcons QB next season? AJC writers predict the answer.

The Falcons have a quarterback quandary. But it’s not the traditional situation where there’s a question about who the starter will be. AJC writers give their thoughts.

Falcons’ Deablo set to return from arm injury; Bowman out with Achilles

Linebacker Divine Deablo is set to return on Sunday after missing four games with a fractured forearm, but receiver Drake London and nickelback Billy Bowman are out.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Divine Deablo has missed four games with a fractured forearm, but is set to return on Sunday in what should be a much-needed boost to a struggling defense. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Deablo set to return from arm injury; Bowman out with Achilles

What’s the plan for Falcons QB next season? AJC writers predict the answer.

Is it time for a massive Falcons franchise reboot?

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.