3 cut candidates on Falcons roster ahead of NFL training camp

Enough talking about the Atlanta Falcons with a negative view. Yes, their draft was extremely bad – but it's been a few months since, and they're on the rise now with Kirk Cousins under center, even though the decision to pick his replacement already was arguably awful.

The Falcons are well-positioned to win their first division title since 2016 and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. On paper, they're the best team in the division, but proving this on the field goes a long way.

Here's a closer look at three players who might not survive the 53-man cuts at the end of the month.

3 cut candidates on Falcons roster ahead of NFL training camp

#1. James Washington, WR

Yes, the same James Washington you're thinking. He hasn't made a single NFL reception since 2021 after stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, and has now signed with the Falcons, but his career appears to be anything but over.

Washington only signed a contract during camp because the Falcons' wide receiver coach, Ike Hilliard, also coached him when he was still a useful player with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was a long time ago: Washington isn't going to make the 53-man roster.

#2. Spencer Brown, RB

The former Carolina Panthers player landed on another team inside the division. Still, after registering such a small production over his three years in Charlotte, he's not going to find any playing time in a backfield that also has Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

He perhaps does have a shot of landing on the practice squad, but Atlanta will likely keep only three running backs: Robinson, Allgeier and rookie Jase McClellan, drafted in the sixth round. This subsequently means there is no space left for Brown on the 53-man roster.

#3. Avery Williams, RB

Brown likely won't make the cut after coming from another team, so fans can imagine the same for Williams as he returns from a serious knee injury and the team has three running back spots locked up.

One could argue that his strength as a returner could be helpful, especially as the team let Cordarrelle Patterson go. But we're betting on Williams not returning to his full strength after an injury that's known as a career-wrecker for running backs.