Atlanta Falcons Decision to Cut 3rd-Round DL Turning Heads Across NFL

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 03: Zach Harrison #96 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is rushed by Zach Harrison #96 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter in the game at Levi's Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) Getty

As the Atlanta Falcons continue to sort out their official 53-man roster, they have made several surprise moves that are turning heads across the NFL.

One was announced on Monday: the decision to waive Zach Harrison, who has been with the Falcons for three seasons and is still playing on a rookie contract.

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Atlanta Falcons Cut Zach HarrisonGettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is rushed by Zach Harrison #96 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter in the game at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

For a team that lacks depth up front, this is a pretty shocking move to part ways with Zach Harrison for now.

FalconsWire.com writer Matt Urban wrote (about the Zach Harrison move):

“Harrison, a former third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 40 games (8 starts) over three seasons, recording 81 tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and 11 QB hits. The Falcons have also waived defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson from the 53-man roster.”

The Zach Harrison roster waiver makes space for newly acquired DL Jared Ivey, who was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.

Here is what some people were saying about the roster news across X.com:

@gregauman: “This surprises me. Harrison had 4.5 sacks in seven games last year. Still cheap on rookie contract.”@FalcoholicKevin: “#Falcons waiving DL Zach Harrison, per @AdamSchefter. An absolute shocker, as Harrison was arguably the best interior player on the defense last season.”@NFLDraftDome: “Sense fatigue from (Falcons) staff on nursing health & needing guys ready” Falcons DL coach Nate Ollie said this of newly waived Zach Harrison: “Does all the right things. Just want him to stay healthy.” 4.5 sacks in 7 games last year. Please make PS.” The Atlanta Falcons X account announced all of the moves via their X.com account: https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/2094515874052837606

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