Falcons Release Defensive Lineman

The Atlanta Falcons are giving up on a recent high draft pick. The team announced Tuesday afternoon that it had released defensive tackle Marlon Davidson.

OFFICIAL:
- DL Marlon Davidson has been released
- LB Jordan Brailford has been released from the PS
- CB Thakarius Keyes has signed to the PS

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 25, 2022

The Falcons had previously placed Davidson on injured reserve in September due to a knee injury. He had yet to play a snap for the team this year despite being eligible for a return in Week 5. Rather than shut him down for the season, the team has elected to simply let him go.

Davidson played 270 defensive snaps for the Falcons in 2021 to middling results, totalling 21 tackles and a sack while earning a 58.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Despite his youth and draft pedigree, the Falcons must be fairly confident that he doesn't have a meaningful future with the team.

Davidson joined the Falcons as their 47th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after an impressive four-year career at Auburn. The defensive tackle notched 14.5 sacks and 28.0 tackles for loss for the Tigers in 50 appearances. His incredible consistency and durability in college didn't translate to the pros; Davidson has appeared in a mere 19 of a possible 39 games since the Falcons selected him.

Photo Credit:© Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports