thesun
As the NFL trade deadline looms, the Atlanta Falcons have made a pair of roster moves, parting ways with two defensive players. Linebacker Jared Ivey, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Seattle Seahawks, and defensive end Drake Jackson, a former second-round selection, were both released as the team prepares for Week 9.
The Falcons, currently 3-5, remain in contention in the NFC South, a division that has yet to produce a team with a winning record this season. Despite the lackluster division, Atlanta appears to be leaning toward selling rather than buying as the deadline approaches.
Ivey, an undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss in 2024, was signed by the Seahawks and spent the entire season on their roster. He appeared in two games, logging 15 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps, and was part of Seattle's championship run. During his college career with the Rebels, Ivey was a disruptive force, recording 26.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over three seasons.
Jackson, selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2022 draft out of USC, joined the Falcons' practice squad in September. He was promoted to the active roster prior to Week 8 and saw action in the team's surprising victory over the 49ers. Jackson also played in the Week 5 primetime loss to the Baltimore Ravens but now finds himself without a team.
The moves come on the heels of Atlanta's embarrassing 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, a result that has dampened the team's playoff aspirations. The Falcons face a daunting schedule ahead, with a tough matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9 followed by a clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10.
Key Analysis
Atlanta's decision to release Ivey and Jackson signals a willingness to churn the bottom of the roster as the team evaluates its options. While the Falcons are not mathematically eliminated from division contention, their recent performance and upcoming schedule suggest they may be more focused on future seasons than a playoff push. The releases also highlight the harsh reality of NFL roster management, where even Super Bowl champions and recent high draft picks are not guaranteed job security.
Originally reported by thesun.