Story by
Atlanta Falcons release Super Bowl champion offensive tackle they had just traded for
- Story by
- Atlanta Falcons release Super Bowl champion offensive tackle they had just traded for
The NFL is set to have a big wave of cutdowns by 6 p.m. on Sunday. There will be plenty of surprises as the day progresses, and there have already been a few.
One of those came when the Atlanta Falcons began making their releases to get down to the 53-man roster. According to reports, the Falcons released former Super Bowl champion offensive tackle Wanya Morris , who played his college football at Oklahoma.
Advertisement
Atlanta had acquired Morris in a trade just over a month ago. The Falcons sent late-round draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs in hopes that Morris could provide valuable depth and competition along the offensive line. However, he apparently did not do enough to stick around under Atlanta Falcons new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
MORE: Browns' reported Dillon Gabriel move leaves Taylen Green's future uncertain
The decision is somewhat surprising considering the Falcons gave up draft capital to acquire Morris only months ago. It also leaves the former third-round pick looking for his third NFL opportunity before the start of the regular season.
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City , Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) is interviewed after the win over the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Advertisement
What is next for Morris?
Now that his tenure in Atlanta has concluded, Morris will be subject to waivers. Because he is entering the final year of his rookie contract, it would not be surprising to see another team put in a claim before Monday afternoon.
Morris brings plenty of experience for a player who is still relatively young. The Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and he eventually earned a starting role at left tackle during the 2024 season. He started 10 games that year before losing his job to D.J. Humphries .
MORE: Packers acquiring Kaleb Johnson in trade with Steelers
Advertisement
Morris was also part of Kansas City's Super Bowl-winning team, giving him postseason and championship experience that could make him an intriguing option for teams searching for offensive line depth.
NFL: Super Bowl LIX-Kansas City Chiefs Press Conference
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) in a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
For the Falcons, releasing Morris after acquiring him just over a month ago suggests the team did not see enough progress during training camp and the preseason to justify keeping him on the roster.
Advertisement
For Morris, however, the timing could work in his favor. With every NFL team making difficult roster decisions at the same time, a starting-caliber tackle with NFL experience and championship pedigree could draw interest quickly.
A new opportunity could come as soon as Monday, with Morris potentially joining another team's roster before Week 1.
