Atlanta Falcons rumors: Tyson Jackson release expected
By Matt Conner
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to indeed release defensive lineman Tyson Jackson on Thursday before the start of NFL free agency.
Tyson Jackson was once the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, a promising defensive lineman who was expected to anchor the Kansas City Chiefs defense for years to come. While Jackson was not a complete bust and provided solid run support, he also never truly blossomed for Kansas City which is why they let him leave in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons.
Now the Falcons have also had their fill of Jackson, choosing to take the salary cap relief instead of his limited production as they reportedly seek more of a pass rusher in his place.
The #Falcons clear a minimum of $2.65M in cap by releasing Tyson Jackson. Designating him a post 6/1 release would clear $4.25M.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 9, 2017
Jackson was clearly a favorite of former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli who initially selected him in the draft. He came over to the Falcons in free agency after Pioli joined Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta’s front office.
Jackson started 35 games for the Falcons over the last three seasons and enjoyed a trip to the Super Bowl in 2016. Now Jackson can bring that experience to a new team as a rotational lineman to help against the run. It’s unlikely he will command anything close to the 5-year, $25 million deal he signed with Atlanta in the first place, but Jackson is still a quality lineman who will have no problem finding work.