FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have restructured inside linebacker Troy Andersen's current rookie contract. The organization has also released wide receivers Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge.
A former second-round pick by the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft, Andersen has shown tantalizing ability when on the field. His sideline-to-sideline range was quickly apparent as a rookie, and he developed an instinct for big plays. In Week 4 of the 2024 season, Andersen delivered a crucial pick-six, the first of his career, to help Atlanta beat New Orleans 26-24. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance, which also included a career-best 16 tackles, a pass breakup and a tackle for loss.
Andersen left that game early due to a knee injury and missed the next five contests. He returned for three games later during the 2024 season, including a start in Week 14 against Minnesota, but he ultimately ended the season on injured reserve.
Before the team began training camp practices last summer, Andersen was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list; he did not appear in a game during the 2025 season.
A premier athlete who showed a rare combination of traits during the pre-draft testing process, Andersen's biggest hurdle has been his ability to stay on the field. Now, more than a year removed from injury, Andersen will remain a Falcon as he continues to mount his comeback.
In other roster news, the Falcons have officially parted ways with wide receivers Mooney and Hodge.
Both receivers reached top-career heights in 2024. Mooney finished the year just eight yards shy of 1,000 yards receiving. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and caught five touchdown passes. Hodge, meanwhile, was named to the Pro Bowl for his performance on special teams that year.
On the first day of training camp in 2025, Mooney suffered a shoulder injury that was later confirmed to be a broken collarbone. He missed the first couple of games for Atlanta as he continued to heal. He ended the 2025 season with 32 receptions for 443 yards and one touchdown.
