Falcons shake up front office personnel

After arriving in 2021, Smith has since been promoted from the VP of player personnel role he’s served in the last two seasons, which is the same position he held during his time with the Commanders.

Before coming to Atlanta, Smith garnered a ton of interest, so his lateral move to the Falcons was a bit of a shocker. This promotion is more about the title than anything. I doubt his responsibilities really change at all, but this move does suggest he’ll soon be a serious GM candidate in the coming years.

Ryan Pace was the Bears’ GM before being fired and joining the Falcons last winter. The 46-year-old worked together in New Orleans with Terry Fontenot and was a senior personnel executive last year.

Both are key pieces for Fontenot and the Falcons’ front office, and though the club has drafted somewhat well since the new regime took over, the free agent class will be the biggest factor in Atlanta returning to the postseason.