After three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, inside linebacker Mykal Walker will be looking for a new home.
According to a report from the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Walker was cut by the Falcons on Sunday following their 19-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins.
Walker, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Falcons, started in 12 of his 16 appearances last season, totaling 107 tackles, four for a loss, one sack, one quarterback hit, and two interceptions.
The fourth-year linebacker, formerly out of Fresno State, played in the win on Friday, recording four tackles. But after the offseason signing of Kaden Elliss, the Falcons are going in a different direction.
Once thought of as a long-term solution for the Falcons at linebacker, the move to part ways with Walker is both a sign of failure to progress alongside the other additions at the position since he arrived in 2020. Atlanta tried to position him on the outside, but the fit wasn't seamless. On a team where versatility is arguably the strongest currency, players who don't have enough will be penalized ... or possibly cut altogether.
Now, with Walker as a free agent, the Falcons will likely lean on Elliss or second-year linebacker Troy Andersen as the starter on the inside.
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