S Quincy Mauger waived by Falcons

The Falcons have opted to cut ties with a second-year Georgia alum who was vying for the backup spot behind Keanu Neal.

On the eve of June minicamp, the team has waived S Quincy Mauger, per NFL Trade Rumors.

Mauger spent 2017 on the team’s injured reserve after getting hurt last preseason, but was in line to compete for a spot on the roster. His release must mean the team feel confident in its safety group at the moment to backup Neal in case (knock on wood) he ever gets hurt.

Guys like Tyson Graham and Marcelis Branch have gotten notices from folks ‘round these parts, and UDFAs Jason Hall and Secdrick Cooper could factor in there as well. Mauger was my pick going into training camp for the spot, but right now, I haven’t a clue who it might be.

Remember, former backup S Sharrod Neasman signed with the Saints about two weeks ago, so they don’t have him to fall back on.

Special teams will be the key to land the role, and whoever competes for the spot will need to impress Keith Armstong in equal measure with Dan Quinn and Marquand Manuel.

We wish Mauger all the best wherever he goes, and send a kind thought the way of all the Georgia fans who mourn a Bulldog going elsewhere. We’ll see who steps up and wins the job now that Mauger is, for now, out of the picture. And, we’ll see if the team signs someone else to take his roster spot.