Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman hasn’t seen the field in two years due to a myriad of off-field issues, but the Vikings and four other unidentified clubs have reached out to express interest in the former second-round pick, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
Hageman is still only 28 years old, but he hasn’t been heard from since being cut by Atlanta in September of 2017. After being arrested on domestic violence charges in 2016, Hageman was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list prior to the 2017 campaign. The Falcons subsequently waived Hageman, and he was then handed a six-week suspension by the NFL, a ban which he fulfilled as a free agent. Hageman was arrested again last June for suspicion of fourth-degree driving while impaired.
“It’s been one heck of a two years sitting out and just watching my fellow teammates play, but it’s definitely a learning experience,” Hageman said. “The whole process is just getting back in everybody’s ear (with NFL teams) about me staying out of trouble. You can’t beat around the bush. They obviously want to see consistency with me. I’m letting everybody know that my past is my past.”
Based on talent alone, it’s perhaps not surprising that Hageman would be given a second chance. The Falcons clearly had high hopes for Hageman after using the 37th overall selection in the 2014 draft on the ex-Minnesota standout, and the club’s coaching staff was reportedly enamored with his progress in February 2017. All told, Hageman appeared in 44 of Atlanta’s 48 regular-season games and combined for 15 starts during his three-year tenure with the club.
Hageman has drawn free agent interest before, as he was linked to the Seahawks and Patriots (the latter of whom put him through a workout) last spring. The Vikings would offer a homecoming of sorts for Hageman, and the club could use a defensive tackle after losing Sheldon Richardson to the Browns.
yup……I’m sure it’s in his past. Jesus Christ.