Could Atlanta Falcons Sign Visiting Washington Commanders DE James Smith-Williams?

The Atlanta Falcons' pursuit for defensive line help has taken them to former Washington Commanders edge defender James Smith-Williams.

Aug 21, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) passes as Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) pursues. / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot have spoken at length about the need to add a pass rusher this offseason.

And Atlanta may be growing closer to adding another body to its defensive line.

The Falcons hosted former Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams for a visit Saturday, according to the NFL's visit release report.

Aug 21, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) passes as Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) pursues. / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The 6-4, 265-pound Smith-Williams was selected in the seventh round by the Commanders in 2020 but has outperformed his draft slot, appearing in 55 games with 27 starts across four seasons in Washington.

To date, Smith-Williams has 85 total tackles, seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hits. His most productive year came in 2022, when he started all 14 games he played and logged three sacks, five tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.

This past season, Smith-Williams played in 13 games, drawing seven starts, and made 22 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

Smith-Williams, who turns 27 in July, started his professional career by playing over 70 percent of Washington's special teams snaps in 2020 but has played just 41 combined snaps over the last two years in the game's third phrase.

Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith was the Commanders' vice president of player personnel when Smith-Williams was drafted, creating a natural connection between the player and front office staff.

Further, Smith-Williams is represented by the same agency - Priority Sports & Entertainment - as Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham and newly signed quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Morris said Atlanta is placing a "definite priority" on adding a pass rusher, and while Smith-Williams wouldn't deter the organization from adding more, he'd provide an experienced option at a position where depth is currently scarce.

But for now, no deal has been struck between the Falcons and Smith-Williams.