Falcons release 2022 second-round pick Troy Andersen

The Atlanta Falcons announced the release of linebacker Troy Andersen on Friday morning, parting ways with a former second-round draft choice whose promising career was repeatedly derailed by physical setbacks. Andersen, who was selected 58th overall out of Montana State in the 2022 NFL Draft, flashed remarkable sideline-to-sideline range and instincts when he was able to take the field.

His tenure in Atlanta reached a high-water mark during a September 29, 2024 contest against the New Orleans Saints. In that game, Andersen collected a career-best 16 tackles, a pass breakup, a tackle for loss, and returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown. His defensive heroics helped secure a 26-24 victory and earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. However, that stellar performance came with a heavy cost. Andersen departed the game early due to a knee injury that ultimately initiated a cascade of medical complications.

The injury forced him to miss five consecutive games. Although he managed to return for three appearances later that season—including a start in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings—his body could not sustain the physical demands of professional football. He was placed on injured reserve to close out the 2024 campaign.

The trajectory of his professional career turned sharply downward from that point. Andersen spent the entire 2025 season sidelined after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list before training camp practices began last summer. Seeking stability, the organization restructured his contract during the offseason, yet the physical doubts persisted. When the team opened its training camp practices, Andersen was once again placed on the active PUP list after medical evaluations determined he remained unfit to participate.

Faced with a prolonged recovery timeline, the franchise elected to cut ties rather than carry an injured player deeper into the summer program. To take his place on the roster, the Falcons signed wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, a veteran who has spent time with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, recording six career receptions with three going for touchdowns.

For Andersen, his departure closes a chapter in Atlanta that spanned 26 total appearances and 11 starts. While his athletic traits and versatility as a former collegiate quarterback, running back, and linebacker made him a tantalizing prospect on paper, his inability to maintain health left his potential largely unrealized with the club.