The Atlanta Falcons have released linebacker Bralen Trice, a 2024 third-round draft pick, after he spent his first two NFL seasons on injured reserve. Trice, who was a standout pass rusher at the University of Washington, tore his ACL in his first preseason game and then re-aggravated the injury the following season, preventing him from playing in any regular-season contests.
Despite entering training camp healthy for the first time in two years, first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski opted to part ways with Trice. The team will enter the season with Za'Darius Smith and Samson Ebukam as their primary edge rushers, with Cameron Thomas also expected to see playing time. The Falcons also face challenges with other edge rushers, including James Pearce Jr., who is serving an eight-game suspension, and Jalon Walker, who is out for the season with a knee injury.
Trice, who will be nearing 25, has not publicly expressed frustration over his situation. "I don't see it as hard, man," Trice told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's just been a lot of work, but I feel like I've grown through it all. I've become a better player and I've become a better person. On and off the field, there's been a lot of different things to juggle, but it's been fun. I've enjoyed the work in the process and now I'm out here feeling great."
Earlier in the offseason, the Falcons bolstered their defensive line by acquiring interior lineman Gervon Dexter from the Chicago Bears in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick. Trice was entering the final year of his rookie contract.