Falcons Release LB Troy Andersen

During his rookie campaign, Andersen managed to play in all 17 games. Since then, however, the linebacker has totaled just nine regular-season appearances. The 2024 season ended with a stint on injured reserve, and Andersen never made it off the PUP list last year. Following a full year out of the fold, his future was known to be in doubt.

Andersen was unable to participate in practices this spring, resulting in another move to the active/PUP list. Instead of waiting to see if a rebound is possible from a health perspective, the Falcons will cut ties in this case and move on. Andersen’s contract was restructured, and as a result he had no pending guarantees. Today’s move will generate $1.22MM in cap savings without incurring any dead money charges.

After a highly productive career at Montana State, Andersen entered the NFL with a unique positional background and an enticing athletic profile. The 27-year-old managed 69 tackles during his lone full campaign, and in one of his final Atlanta games he managed 16 stops and a pick-six. Since then, however, injuries have prevented a full-time workload from being possible. The Falcons will now move forward with a LB group led by Divine Deablo and Christian Harris. Additions along the edge are being sought out, and depth at the linebacker spot could become a target regarding a veteran signing as well.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons have signed receiver Kristian Wilkerson. The 29-year-old has made nine NFL appearances to date, and he will spend the coming weeks competing for a depth spot or a place on Atlanta’s practice squad. For Andersen, meanwhile, a strong market among outside suitors is unlikely until he can make a return to full strength.