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Falcons sign linebacker Divine Deablo

The former third-round draft pick has started for the Raiders in some capacity since joining the NFL in 2021.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons signed linebacker Divine Deablo, the organization announced Friday.

According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Deablo's deal is for two years and worth $14 million, with $8 million guaranteed in Year 1. Rapoport first reported the news Tuesday, a day ahead of free agency's official start Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Deablo comes to Atlanta from the Las Vegas Raiders, who drafted him in 2021. Deablo was a third-round pick out of Virginia Tech, going 80th overall.

As a rookie, Deablo played in all 17 games, starting five. He totaled 45 tackles, along with a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

In his second season, Deablo started all eight games in which he played. A forearm injury sustained midway through the season landed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. In his limited time, Deablo made 74 tackles and one pass breakup.

Deablo returned in 2023 and started 15 games, missing two due to an ankle sprain. Deablo broke the 100-tackle mark for the first time with 106 that year. He also recorded his first career sack, while adding two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Last season, Deablo started 14 games, missing three with an oblique injury. He made 63 tackles, two pass breakups and another sack.

Deablo will be 27 years old by the time his debut season with the Falcons kicks off.

A likely reason the Falcons brought Deablo in is his speed. He was a safety in college, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but transitioned to linebacker upon reaching the pros. That means he can be quick both against the run and in coverage.

Atlanta's linebacker room currently features Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand. The group lost Nate Landman to free agency. Elliss remains the leader in terms of on-field production. Andersen has a lot of athletic promise but been hampered by injuries. Bertrand, meanwhile, is only entering his second professional season, so his full contribution has yet to be determined. So, at the very least, Deablo is a rangy backup with special teams experience – and the potential to become more.

Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos of offense moments from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.

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