After three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, inside linebacker Mykal Walker has a new home.
The Las Vegas Raiders have announced that they have signed Walker to the practice squad. The move comes less than a month after the Chicago Bears cut him just ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.
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 Atlanta's first preseason game, 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 in Las Vegas, the Falcons have been leaning on Elliss, second-year linebacker Troy Andersen and Nate Landman, among others. It's worked out for the Falcons so far, as they are 2-0 to start the young season. The Raiders, who sit at 1-1, hope that Walker can give the team some depth at the linebacker position.
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