Falcons Release Former Second-Round Pick After Injury-Riddled Career
The Falcons revamped their defense this offseason, and cut ties with a former second-round pick along the way. Here's why.
The Atlanta Falcons have released Troy Andersen, a former second-round pick, following an injury-plagued career. The team made a concerted effort to bolster their defense this offseason, acquiring players like Samson Ebukam, Azeez Ojulari, and Christian Harris. In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round and added linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. However, just days into training camp, Andersen was let go after sitting on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since the beginning of camp.
This decision adds to the Falcons' history of dealing with injuries in their roster. Andersen, drafted by the Falcons in the second round (No. 58 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, had a standout college career at Montana State, earning accolades such as three-time first-team All-Big Sky, first-team FCS All-American, and Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Despite these impressive stats, Andersen struggled to live up to the high expectations placed upon him upon joining the Falcons. He played in only nine games over the past three seasons, missing the entire 2025 season due to injury. Andersen's tenure with the Falcons has been marked by inconsistency, with him appearing in just two games in 2023 after being placed on injured reserve early in the season with a shoulder/pectoral injury, and seven games in 2024 due to a knee injury. Now, four years after being drafted by the Falcons, he is seeking a new team.
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