The Falcons have discussed signing free agent fullback Vonta Leach, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Leach could be brought in to help block for starter Steven Jackson and the rest of Atlanta’s talented supporting cast at running back.
Leach, who has long been renowned for his blocking ability, spent the last three seasons with the Ravens and earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors from 2010-2012. Despite his body of work and name value, the 32-year-old (33 in November) wasn’t a significant part of the Ravens’ offense in 2013, seeing action in just 230 snaps, including nine in the last three weeks of the regular season. Baltimore cut Leach in late February in order to save $1.75MM on the salary cap. Leach told Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post late last month that he had no intention of retiring and was waiting on an NFL call.
As it stands, the Falcons are set to carry Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith, and Devonta Freeman on their 53-man roster. Fullback Patrick DiMarco will be blocking for them if Atlanta doesn’t go out-of-house, but Leach could fill that role instead.