In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons showcased a robust pass defense, ranking 6th in completions, 7th in targets, 8th in yards, 22nd in touchdowns, and 9th in first downs allowed.
Following the departure of Jeff Okudah, who signed with the Houston Texans, the Falcons sought to fill the void at the outside cornerback position opposite A.J. Terrell. To address this need, the team turned to free agency and signed a 31-year-old cornerback from the NFC West.
The Falcons officially announced the signing of Antonio Hamilton Sr., marking his sixth team in his nine-year NFL career. Hamilton brings a wealth of experience, having played 98 games, starting 18, with 172 tackles, two interceptions, 25 pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.
Hamilton spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Falcons. His tenure with the Cardinals included contributions on both defense and special teams. Notably, he played in 17 games during the 2021 season, starting twice, and recorded 38 tackles, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
In the 2022 season, Hamilton overcame an injury setback early in the year and returned to play in 10 out of the remaining 13 games, starting five. Despite missing some games due to injuries, he remained a solid contributor to the Cardinals’ defense.
In 2023, Hamilton appeared in 14 games for the Cardinals, starting nine, and showcased his versatility in coverage. Despite battling a groin injury that sidelined him for three games, Hamilton recorded 40 tackles, one interception, and 11 pass deflections.
Hamilton’s signing adds much-needed depth and experience to the Falcons’ cornerback position, particularly with the youth and inexperience of other players in the secondary. With A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes leading the unit, Hamilton’s presence will bolster the team’s defensive capabilities and provide valuable leadership on the field.
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