Falcons release CB T.J. Green

T.J. Green was a holdover from the old regime, a player who joined the Falcons practice squad in September 2020 and wound up playing in one game and otherwise sticking on the practice squad all season. He signed a reserve/future contract with the team and wound up impressing the new coaching staff enough to stick around on the roster, ultimately spending time at both cornerback and safety over the summer. He played in all six games for the Falcons this season, including Week 3 against the Giants when he turned in an admirable effort playing 100% of the snaps with A.J. Terrell out.

His role had dwindled the past three weeks, as he played no more than 11% of the defensive snaps, had a couple of coverage miscues along the way, and was passed over for playing time in favor of practice squad elevation Chris Williamson. For now, at least, his journey in Atlanta has come to an end, as reports indicate the team cut the veteran today.

There’s likely another signing coming, given that the Falcons now have an open roster spot. Kirk could well spend some time on the roster, as the 24 year old safety clearly caught the coaching staff’s eye. A 2020 undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, Kirk spent time with the Cowboys and Vikings, who took a look at his size, athleticism and ability to play multiple roles in the ISU defense and wanted to give him a shot. The Falcons will do the same, seeing if they can turn Kirk into another versatile defender in a secondary that’s being re-tooled in real time here in 2021.

Fry will be back, as he’s this year’s John Wetzel, so it’s more of a see you later than a goodbye.

Green may well be back on the practice squad, especially if Atlanta elects to elevate someone like Williamson (who received 24 snaps on Sunday) or new special teams addition Daren Bates to the roster. If not, his run with the Falcons this year and ability to play multiple positions should ensure he finds a new home in the near future, and we wish him well.