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Falcons' Jalon Walker Out for 2026, Target Leonard Floyd

8/6/2026

36 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Walker Misses Season

Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season after tearing his left ACL in Tuesday’s practice.
Coach Kevin Stefanski halted the practice about 45 minutes early after Walker was carted off.
Walker, the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, posted 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a rookie.
The Falcons will count on edge players Samson Ebukam and Cameron Thomas, with cross-training led by coach John Timu.

Summary

Falcons Eye Floyd

The Falcons have $38 million in cap space available for a free-agent edge addition.
General manager Terry Fontenot is eyeing veteran Leonard Floyd, who recorded 3.5 sacks in 15 starts last season.
Kyle Van Noy, with 27 pressures for the Ravens in 2025 on a $4.25 million contract, is another option.
James Pearce Jr. remains under investigation, facing a possible league suspension that could keep him out for weeks.

History

Historical Context

After owners opted out of the 1993 agreement in 2008, the CBA expired in March 2011 and the league imposed an 18-week lockout that ended on July 25 2011. The settlement produced a new CBA with a $120.375 million salary cap and expanded player benefits. Today, the Atlanta Falcons confront comparable cap constraints while rebuilding their roster.

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Walker Misses Season

Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season after tearing his left ACL in Tuesday’s practice.
Coach Kevin Stefanski halted the practice about 45 minutes early after Walker was carted off.
Walker, the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, posted 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a rookie.
The Falcons will count on edge players Samson Ebukam and Cameron Thomas, with cross-training led by coach John Timu.

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