There were a few surprises on Atlanta’s initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season.

The Atlanta Falcons‘ initial 53-man roster was full of surprises, including the fact that the team kept just 52 players. This was likely due to the reported trade between the Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks. Atlanta is sending a 2027 seventh-round pick to Seattle for offensive tackle Michael Jerrell.

Since the Falcons only gave up a draft pick, they must keep an open roster spot for the transaction to be completed. The team needs all the help it can get after placing right tackle Kaleb McGary on season-ending IR. Storm Norton was also placed on the injured reserve list but was given a return designation.

The Falcons likely caught some fans off guard with a few of their decisions on Tuesday. Here are the five biggest surprises from the team’s initial 53-man roster.

Falcons keep just 3 safeties, cut Jordan Fuller

Fuller’s release was a surprise because he seemed like the perfect cost-effective replacement for Justin Simmons. With starting experience and ties to Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Fuller seemed like a lock to make the opening 53-man roster. Third-round pick Xavier Watts has impressed the coaching staff and while many anticipated the rookie to eventually take the starting job, that time may come sooner rather than later. Atlanta kept just three safeties, but rookie Billy Bowman played the position in college. Don’t be surprised if the team adds another veteran to the mix.

Falcons release Easton Stick, keep 2 quarterbacks

Aside from cutting Fuller, who was listed as a starter on the team’s preseason depth charts, Atlanta’s second-biggest surprise was releasing quarterback Easton Stick. It may not seem like that big of a deal at first glance, but the move is an indication that the Falcons are legitimately counting on Kirk Cousins to back up Michael Penix Jr. It’s not ideal, mainly due to Cousins’ salary and the potential to be a distraction. A trade is still a possibility, though, which is why the decision to cut Stick caught many by surprise.

Undrafted free agent makes Falcons’ roster

While it may not have been Cobee Bryant or Nick Nash, undrafted free agent Nate Cater was able to sneak his way onto the team’s opening 53-man roster. The rookie broke off a 43-yard touchdown run against the Titans and was the Falcons’ best running back throughout the preseason. Many assumed the Falcons would keep Carlos Washington, but Carter showed enough to convince the coaching staff that he’s worthy of being the team’s third running back behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

Darnell Mooney avoids IR, Falcons keep 7 wide receivers

The Falcons kept seven wide receivers on their opening 53-man roster. Darnell Mooney may have avoided the injured reserve list, but the abundance of receivers on the roster makes me wonder if he’ll be healthy for Week 1. Mooney went down during the team’s first practice with a shoulder injury. Casey Washington, who regularly filled in for Mooney during training camp, and David Sills both made the cut at wide receiver. However, Chris Blair was left on the outside looking in despite leading the NFL in preseason receiving yards. Look for Blair to return to Atlanta’s practice squad if he clears waivers.

Falcons TE Feleipe Franks makes the cut

The Falcons kept 11 combined wide receivers and tight ends, but I didn’t have Feleipe Franks on my bingo card. The quarterback-turned-tight end had a nice preseason, capped off with a 23-yard touchdown reception in the team’s 31-13 loss to the Cowboys. Franks has good size, acceleration, and is a good developmental option, especially if the team doesn’t end up re-signing Kyle Pitts in the offseason. Somewhere out there, former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith must be smiling.