Atlanta Falcons make roster moves

Staff Reports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, linebacker Daveren Rayner and offensive linemen Layden Robinson and Brandon Walton. In corresponding moves, the Falcons have released tight end Brandon Frazier, defensive tackle Ben Stille, wide receiver Deven Thompkins and running back Carlos Washington Jr. 

Blacklock was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the second round (40^th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft out of TCU. Blacklock has appeared in 44 games (three starts), recording 40 tackles (27 solo), nine quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble through three seasons with the Texans (2020-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Jacksonville Jaguars (2023) and Tennessee Titans (2023). The Missouri City, Texas, native spent four seasons (2016-19) at TCU, where he started in 26 games, recording 67 tackles (39 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Robinson was originally selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (103^rd overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M and appeared in 13 games (11 starts) for the club last season. The Houston, Texas native spent five seasons (2019-23) at Texas A&M, where he appeared in 45 games (33 starts), earning All-SEC honors his senior year after blocking for an offensive that recorded 300-plus yards passing in multiple games. 

Rayner spent six seasons with Northern Illinois (2020-22) and Kentucky (2023-25), where he appeared in 51 games (30 starts), recording 239 tackles (121 solo), 21 tackles for loss, nine passes defensed, 7.5 sacks and two interceptions over the course of his collegiate campaign. Rayner finished second on the Kentucky defense in tackles (69) and tackles for loss (6.5) during his senior season in 2025. 

Walton originally signed with the Buffalo Bills following the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic and has appeared in 19 games (two starts) with the Buccaneers (2022-23) and Carolina Panthers (2024-25). The Largo, Fla., native appeared in 43 games (39 starts) over four seasons (2016-19) at Florida Atlantic.