The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed linebacker Thomas Howard, in addition to signing safety Sean Baker to the practice squad and waiving linebacker Jamar Chaney.
Howard, 6-3, 230 pounds, was originally selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (38th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas-El Paso. He spent five seasons in Oakland before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. Howard has appeared in 93 games with 78 starts, totaling 492 tackles (391 solo) with seven interceptions, six sacks, two defensive touchdowns, and 29 passes defensed in his career.
Baker, 6-0, 209 pounds, was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a college free agent out of Ball State following the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent part of the 2012 season as a member of the Buccaneers practice squad. Baker set a school record with 18 interceptions while adding 320 tackles (166 solo), 39 passes defensed, 19 tackles for loss, and two sacks in four seasons at Ball State.
Chaney, 6-0, 242 pounds, was originally selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. He was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on September 17, 2013 and saw action in one game.
