The Atlanta Falcons have released running back Ito Smith.
Smith was a fourth round draft pick in 2018 out of Southern Miss and rushed for 689 yards in his Atlanta Career.
He was a decent option out of the backfield in the passing game as well including 17 catches in 2020, though only 75 yards.
With a relatively low signing bonus as a fourth round pick, Smith doesn’t carry much dead cap money in 2021 and the Falcons will save nearly $1M on his salary.
This all but assures the Falcons will go with a running back in the middle to late part of the NFL Draft. Atlanta added Mike Smith as a free agent earlier this year.
Smith was the third leading rusher behind Todd Gurley, who was not resigned, and Brian Hill who had 100 carries for 465 yards in 2020.
Cutting Ito Smith is one of several moves the Falcons have made today including the signing of All-Pro return man Cordarrelle Patterson and safety Duron Harmon.