Falcons Re-Sign Long Snapper Liam McCullough in Free Agency

Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough is back for next season.

The Atlanta Falcons have made their first official free agent signing - by definition.

While the new NFL league year doesn't start until March 13, the Falcons announced Friday they've re-signed long snapper Liam McCullough, who was an exclusive rights free agent.

The 26-year-old McCullough has played in all 34 games since signing with Atlanta prior to the start of the 2022 season.

Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough (49) stands on the field during warm ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Exclusive rights free agents are players with an expiring contract who've played fewer than three seasons. If the team offers a one-year contract at league minimum, the player isn't allowed to negotiate with other teams.

In this case, the Falcons wanted McCullough back - and even with new head coach Raheem Morris, he'll be working under a familiar face.

Morris retained special teams coordinator Marquice Williams from the previous staff, meaning Atlanta's retained its special teams core - McCullough, kicker Younghoe Koo and punter Bradley Pinion.

Williams was often complimentary of the quality bond established amongst the specialists last season.

"We’re very transparent in our room," Williams said Sept. 28. "We talk about things that we can get better at, ways that we can get better at certain techniques and fundamentals. Those conversations are easy, and we all know we’re all on the same page when something goes well, something doesn’t go well, or whether something needs to improve."

The Falcons have avoided snap troubles on field goals, extra points and punts during McCullough's tenure, and the continuity and relationship he's formed with Koo and Pinion often proves worthwhile on gamedays.

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And for Williams, the trio of specialists make life in the NFL that much more enjoyable.

"I love working with those guys," Williams said. "We love having them here (and) they're a huge part of our organization when you talk about the specialists."