Falcons resource Mariota with signing of wide receiver Damiere Byrd

AMERICAN FOOTBALL NFL

Sports Writing, Apr 5 (EFE).- The Atlanta Falcons signed former Chicago Bears receiver Damiere Byrd on Tuesday with the aim of giving more offensive resources to their new passer Marcus Mariota.

In 2021, Byrd played all 17 regular season games for the Bears; he caught 26 passes for 329 yards and a touchdown.

The 29-year-old began his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2015, but injuries kept him from taking off; he left the team in 2019 to play for the Cardinals and in 2020 for the Patriots.

In addition to Byrd, Marcus Mariota will have former AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals Auden Tate among his options for the passing game, as well as 24-year-old rookies Olamide Zaccheaus and 21-year-old tight end Kyle Pitts. .

Coach Arthur Smith’s goal is for his passing offense to improve to 16th out of 32 in the 2021 season, a season in which they finished with a losing record with seven wins and 10 losses, third in the NFC South. .

For the running game, the Falcons rely on running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who is also a kick return specialist and versatile receiver.

Also for the race they have Mike Davis and extended the contract of rookie Qadree Ollison.

In other free agency moves Tuesday, the NFL champion Los Angeles Rams signed punter Ridley Dixon.

The Bengals signed tight end Nick Eubanks, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, following the departure of Christopher James Uzomah, safety valve for quarterback Joe Burrow last season, a position for which they also signed Hayden Hurst.

In Indianapolis, the Colts locked up defensive back Armani Watts, who in 2021 played for the Chiefs. Offensive lineman Greg Senat left the Colts and will play in 2022 for the New York Jets.

Also this Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints reinforced their offense with tight end Juan Pablo Holtz, who comes from the Bears and released quarterback Blake Bortles, after having hired Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton for this 2022.