As always, each team makes its decisions about training camp cuts during the summer, but it doesn't make it any easier when vets have to go.
Several Atlanta Falcons players will be cut in August during training camp, but for a few veterans, the time may be now for them to exit stage right in Flowery Branch, GA. There will be surprises, a few that are expected, and some that will downright come out of the blue. Let's look at 3 veterans who may not make the 53-man roster.
DeAngelo Malone - (Edge/Linebacker)
With Atlanta drafting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. and then signing Leonard Floyd, Malone may get lost in the shuffle and potentially be cut. Malone was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. He was All-Conference-USA while in college, but hasn't produced much in the way of numbers during his time in the NFL.
During his rookie season, he had what is still considered to be his season high of 18 solo tackles while only recording 1 sack. He hasn't found his footing in the NFL yet, and when/if he does, it may not be in Atlanta.
Younghoe Koo - (Kicker)
Koo joined Atlanta as a free agent in 2019 after stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots. After struggling with each team, Atlanta decided to give him an opportunity to kick indoors. Koo was as clutch as they come until last season, when he would only convert 25 of 34 kicks. Before last season, Koo would win Atlanta games on his foot alone a few times.
After suffering an injury late in the season, Atlanta decided that a bit of competition in camp would be suitable for Koo, so the team would sign Lenny Krieg, who had spent time in European football and the German Football League. Krieg impressed the Falcons so much during the offseason that they signed him to a 3-year contract. With Koo still being owed a sizeable contract, he could be on his way out.
Ta'Quon Graham - (Defensive Tackle)
Ta'Quon Graham was drafted in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft from the Texas Longhorns. Since then, his games played have mostly continued to dip, and so has his production. Graham has only recorded 12 tackles and 1 sack in the past two years. The sack in 2023 would be the only one he has recorded in his career. With Atlanta retooling the defense, Graham may have to find a fresh start elsewhere.
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