Banks had been placed on Injured Reserve late in the preseason. Rather than keep him on IR, the Falcons chose to part ways, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere during the season.
Keshawn Banks is a 26-year-old defensive end from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a three-sport athlete at Rio Rancho High School and helped his team achieve a 13-0 record and a state championship in 2016. A three-star recruit, Banks played his college ball at San Diego State, where he developed into an all-conference contributor.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 251 pounds, Banks went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed with the Green Bay Packers, who kept him on their practice squad for the season. He made his NFL playoff debut with Green Bay in the divisional round due to injuries, appearing in 11 snaps. The Packers released Banks in August 2024, and the New England Patriots added him to their practice squad for a couple of months, with Banks appearing in three regular-season games for the Patriots.
Banks later spent time on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad and in the United Football League with the Michigan Panthers and Orlando Storm.
The Falcons signed Banks in June during minicamp, but an injury during the preseason prevented him from showing what he could contribute on the roster.
Falcons’ defensive end depth is anchored in a base 3-4 scheme, where outside linebackers often serve as the primary pass rushers. The team currently features players such as Za’Darius Smith and Cameron Thomas at outside linebacker, along with Jared Ivey and Samson Ebukam. On the defensive line, Brandon Dorlus and Da’Shawn Hand provide versatility with prior experience at defensive end in various schemes.
Overall, the Falcons face a challenging edge-rush situation, further strained by a suspension affecting James Pearce Jr. The group may continue to rotate and explore options as the season progresses, aiming to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While Banks did not become the answer, Atlanta’s front seven remains a focal point for potential upgrades to keep the defense competitive.
This week’s activity highlights a broader approach: the Falcons will likely continue evaluating and integrating players who can contribute to the pass rush while addressing depth across the defensive front as the season unfolds.
