Safety Richie Grant’s role is probably not one of the first things that spring to mind when thinking back on the Atlanta Falcons’ 2023 season, at least not in a good one. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Grant as the 89th safeties out of 95 qualified players.

Alternatively, one might think about the quarterback carousel, Arthur Smith’s dismissal as head coach, or the poor 7-10 season that was spoiled by four defeats in the last five games.

However, Grant’s abrupt transition from a reliable starter to an infrequently used rotational player and member of the special teams is perhaps related to Atlanta’s narrative from the previous season.

Grant, a second-round selection in 2021 who started each game in 2022 but didn’t

The 26-year-old Grant finished this past season ranked No. 4 on the team in tackles with 103; only four Falcons eclipsed the 100-tackle mark, as Grant and Bates were joined by linebackers Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman.

Grant, who stands 6-0, 200 pounds, added six passes defended, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception.

He struggled in pass coverage, allowing 39 receptions for 543 yards and six touchdowns on just 57 targets, according to Pro Football Reference. Opposing quarterbacks completed 68.4% of their passes thrown in Grant’s direction.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, assessing Grant’s value since arriving in Flowery Branch three years ago, pointed towards Grant’s instant impact on special teams.

In 12 of the 16 games in which he made his debut as a rookie, Grant played at least 80% of the special teams snaps. His rise to starting safety had the opposite effect on his function in the third phase of the game, but at the end of the previous season, he went back to his starting position.

Grant played at least 59% of the Falcons’ special teams snaps in the final six games, while only surpassing 50% in the first 11.

Looking back to Grant’s early years in Atlanta, Fontenot thinks the native of Lumberton, Mississippi, has a steady floor as a standout on special teams.

This is especially important since Grant is still with the Falcons this summer and was viewed as the front-runner..