Well, here’s one that had NFL fans look twice at their timelines. The Falcons made an early round of roster cuts on Saturday, and tucked inside the list was a name that created an instant confusion: cornerback Lamar Jackson. No, not that Lamar Jackson. Still, the release shocked social media as fans tried to process the move.
The Falcons announced 12 cuts, including Jackson, along with placing offensive lineman Jake Hanson on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Morgan Fox stood out as another eyebrow-raiser, especially since he signed a contract with $3 million guaranteed earlier this year. The shake-up came just days after the Falcons made headlines for moving on from another big name when they let go of a former Pro Bowl receiver.
For Jackson, the release brings a fresh round of unwanted comparisons to Baltimore’s star quarterback who shares his name. The 26-year-old corner spent time trying to carve out a spot on the roster, but Atlanta decided to move in a different direction as they trimmed down to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Fans Turn Lamar Jackson’s Release Into Comedy
NFL Twitter wasted no time.
“Dave Ziegler would pick him up thinking he got Lamar Jackson,” one fan joked.
Another piled on, saying a Cardinals reporter could “would go on a 5-minute blast telling the Cardinals to sign him to start at QB before he figured it out.”
Fans also poked the Bills in this. “Can y’all pick this man up? Imagine the headlines when Lamar Jackson intercepts Lamar Jackson,” one wrote.
Others pointed to the Ravens and called it “the funniest thing they could ever do.”
The cuts didn’t stop at Jackson. Offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, edge rusher Ronnie Perkins, running back Elijah Dotson, and quarterback Ben DiNucci also learned they’re not part of the initial roster. Atlanta will keep shuffling pieces, especially after adding a familiar Cowboys quarterback, while questions around Kirk Cousins continue to hang over the season.
For Jackson, it’s back to waiting for another chance in the league. Whether he lands on waivers or finds a spot on a practice squad, his name will keep following him. And on Saturday, that name alone made him one of the most talked-about players in football.
