In an effort to strengthen their offensive line depth, the Atlanta Falcons have signed offensive tackles Julién Davenport and Zack Bailey to their 90-man roster, the team announced Wednesday. These signings come as the Falcons gear up for the 2024 NFL season and the beginning of their training camp.
Julién Davenport, 29, brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons, having spent five seasons in the NFL. Originally selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Davenport spent two seasons with the Texans before stints with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Over his career, Davenport has appeared in 60 games, starting 32. His last live snap came in 2021, but he has since spent time with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, although he did not secure an active roster spot with these teams. At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Davenport’s physical presence and experience could prove valuable for the Falcons.
Zack Bailey, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, has also made several stops in the NFL. Bailey’s journey has seen him on multiple teams’ rosters, but his most notable appearance came with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played in his only NFL game in 2022. Now, Bailey hopes to carve out a more permanent role with the Falcons.
With the Falcons’ starting offensive tackles, Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, firmly in place after bookending the line last season, the addition of Davenport and Bailey provides the team with potential depth options. Training camp, which began Wednesday, will be a critical period for both players to showcase their abilities and make a case for their inclusion on the active roster.
To make room for Davenport and Bailey, the Falcons released punter Ryan Sanborn and offensive tackle Ryan Coll, both of whom were undrafted free agents. These moves underline the team’s commitment to refining their roster and ensuring they have the best possible talent heading into the new season.
The signings of Julién Davenport and Zack Bailey reflect the Atlanta Falcons’ strategy to bolster their offensive line depth with experienced and versatile players. As training camp progresses, both Davenport and Bailey will have the opportunity to prove their worth and secure their spots on the team. With a solid foundation already in place, the Falcons are taking proactive steps to ensure they have the necessary depth and talent to navigate the rigors of the upcoming NFL season.