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The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to finally get over the hump under Kevin Stefanski after missing the playoffs for several seasons. They have a young offense capable of making an impact, but the defense will be a major factor in determining how far Atlanta can go.
In April, a shocking move happened when veteran offensive tackle Kaleb McGary announced that he would be retiring.
“Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary officially retired from the NFL on Wednesday. McGary was selected with the 31st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after the Falcons traded back up into the first round to acquire him. Together with guard Chris Lindstrom, who was also selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, McGary solidified the right side of Atlanta's offensive line and helped forge some of the league's best rushing attacks,” Falcons reporter Will McFadden wrote.
After McGary's retirement, the Falcons traded for Super Bowl champion Wanya Morris as a depth piece with the potential to eventually become a starter.
“The Atlanta Falcons have acquired offensive tackle Wanya Morris in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Thursday. The Falcons sent a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to the Chiefs in exchange for Morris and a 2027 seventh-round selection, sources told ESPN,” ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote.
It was a good, low-risk move for Atlanta to make, especially since Morris had experience as a starter with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, on Sunday, the Falcons released Morris in what is being viewed as a surprising decision.
“Falcons releasing OT Wanya Morris, per source. Surprising, given Atlanta traded for him over summer,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted.
It certainly hurts for Atlanta, considering the team gave up a draft pick in next year's NFL Draft to acquire Morris. He was also expected to make the roster, which makes the decision even more difficult to understand from the outside.
Morris was entering the final year of his $5 million rookie contract. The young offensive tackle did not perform well enough during the preseason to secure his spot, ultimately leading to the Falcons releasing him. It is unfortunate for Morris, but Atlanta apparently felt it could not ignore what it saw during the preseason.
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