The Atlanta Falcons announced Friday that they have agreed to terms on contracts with linebackers Stephone Anthony and Richie Brown. In corresponding moves, the Falcons are waiving offensive tackle Lanard Bonner and placing defensive lineman Michael Bennett on injured reserve.
Anthony, 26, was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 31st-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He started all 16 games for the Saints as a rookie, recording 112 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one interception and a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
Injuries plagued Anthony in his second season with the Saints, and he was traded to the Miami Dolphins during the 2017 season. Anthony has played in 24 games over the past two seasons with the Dolphins, and he's registered 22 tackles and a tackle for a loss during that period.
Brown, 25, was signed to the Falcons' practice squad for a portion of the 2018 season. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and was then signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad later that year.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn explained after Wednesday's training camp practice that Kemal Ishmael would be playing more safety than linebacker in the wake of J.J. Wilcox's season-ending ACL injury. Anthony provides added depth at linebacker given Ishmael's new role.
