Atlanta Falcons release defensive back Malcolm DeWalt IV
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.
The Atlanta Falcons released defensive back Malcolm DeWalt IV on Oct. 22, 2026, the team announced. DeWalt signed with the Falcons earlier this year as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft. The transaction was posted on the Falcons’ official website in an article by senior reporter Tori McElhaney.
DeWalt’s collegiate journey included stops at Snow College, Butte College and Akron, where he drew the attention of Atlanta’s scouting staff. He stood out in rookie minicamp and later in training camp and the preseason. Those performances helped him earn a spot on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
During the preseason he broke up passes, intercepted a ball and returned kicks and punts, showing versatility on defense and special teams. Despite those contributions, he was a healthy scratch on the Falcons’ inactive list for each of the team’s first six games, which limited his opportunities to appear in regular-season action. The Falcons did not provide additional details about roster moves connected to his release.
NFL Sports Blog Take
DeWalt’s release highlights the difficulty undrafted rookies face in converting strong camp and preseason showings into sustained regular-season roles. Being inactive for the first six games signaled a limited immediate need for his skill set on game days. The move frees a roster spot, and DeWalt’s preseason tape and special-teams experience could make him an option for other teams or a practice-squad opportunity.