Ahead of the roster deadline, the Atlanta Falcons chose to release starting guard Jalen Mayfield, and head coach Arthur Smith has shared the rationale behind the decision.
"With all these moves we've made, we have to do what's best for the team," Smith said. "You give everybody these opportunities, and [it] doesn't mean these guys can't go other places and have great careers, but we have to do what's best for this team. That's what guides us, and you try to be fair and objective."
Mayfield impressed while playing at Michigan, earning the right to be a Day 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he could not carry that success into the pros. After injuries forced him into a starting role for the Falcons during his rookie season, Mayfield would receive a horrendous 48.7 player grade from Pro Football Focus.
This year, Atlanta drafted Matthew Bergeron in the second round, and the writing seemed as though it was on the wall for Mayfield ... considering his rocky time as a starter and injuries last year.
Smith and the Falcons coaching staff have proven that they know what it takes to dominate in the trenches after assembling one of the leagues premier offensive line units a season ago.
With a young quarterback in Desmond Ridder and high end running back prospect in Bijan Robinson, the fate of Atlanta's future is reliant upon its offensive line being able to maul defenses and protect the talent.
Unfortunately for Mayfield, his spot on the Falcons roster wasn't considered what's best for the team, but perhaps he'll find better luck staying healthy elsewhere and prove he still has what it takes to start in the NFL.
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