The Atlanta Falcons had to make a difficult decision on Tuesday, October 21, releasing wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud from the team.
McCloud hadn’t appeared in a game since the Falcons’ Week 4 win over the Washington Commanders, missing the last two matchups against the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. He was a healthy scratch in both games.
When asked Monday, October 20, about McCloud’s status, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris called the situation a “distraction.”
“None yet,” Morris said. “Obviously, going through that process right now, talking with him. But that’s the distraction that I’m dealing with, no one else.”
Leading up to Week 7 against the 49ers, Morris emphasized that McCloud’s absence wasn’t disciplinary.
“I wouldn’t say it is a disciplinary thing,” Morris said. “More a football thing with something we have to get straightened out.”
McCloud appeared in just four games this season, recording six catches for 64 yards and no scores. His departure puts the Falcons in an interesting predicament on offense, down a capable receiver for second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons Need Some Spark on Offense
Though only one season in Atlanta, McCloud had shown he could be a capable WR3. He was third on the team in receiving yards (686) and big plays (8) and second in yards after the catch (335). However, he managed just one touchdown and three fumbles, losing one.
Nevertheless, the Falcons have struggled to find a reliable third option at receiver this season as the stat sheet shows. Drake London remains the clear leader of the group with 38 catches for 469 yards and two scores. But it’s running back Bijan Robinson who ranks second in receiving with 30 catches for 390 yards and two touchdowns of his own. The rest of the roster has combined for just 18 catches, with tight end Kyle Pitts sitting third in receiving yards (285) and one touchdown.
While Robinson is a thrill to watch out of the backfield, the offense leans on him far too much — and so does Penix, who just made his ninth career start against the 49ers. When Robinson is shut down, as he was in that game, it forces Penix to make plays he’s not entirely comfortable with yet. Not having consistent secondary or tertiary targets only makes that harder.
Darnell Mooney has yet to rediscover his big-play form from 2024, and second-year wideout Casey Washington hasn’t proven ready to fill that role either.
Falcons Should Look to Make a Trade Before Deadline
With Ray-Ray McCloud officially off the roster, Atlanta can now turn its attention to bolstering the receiver room ahead of the November 4 trade deadline.
There are reportedly several available options around the league if the Falcons are willing to explore them. Still, the team might not be rushing into any moves, based on Morris’ recent comments via Terrin Waack.
“Terry (Fontenot) and all those guys in our pro department and all those type of things, they’re always looking to upgrade,” Morris said. “So, there’s nothing dire or nothing that we’re going to actively search out. But there’s always a possibility of anything that can happen.”
Mind you, those comments came before McCloud’s release — but the organization likely knew its decision at the time. Whatever the case, it’s clear Atlanta needs to make a move at receiver, and fast.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Falcons Release Ray-Ray McCloud Ahead of Potential Trade Deadline Move appeared first on Heavy Sports.