The Atlanta Falcons released veteran offensive tackle John Wetzel on Monday, ending the fifth-year lineman's relationship with the NFC South team following one season in Georgia, per ProFootballTalk.

Wetzel, 28, signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in April of last year and was later released during training camp before the regular season. However, due to rookie guard Chris Lindstrom's broken foot injury, Atlanta re-signed Wetzel in early September. Wetzel only appeared in two games with the Falcons during the 2019 NFL season, shuffling between the practice square and active roster all year.

Wetzel started his NFL tenure as an undrafted free agent in 2013, signing initially with the then-Oakland Raiders before being waived in August. Wetzel signed with the Dallas Cowboys, later agreeing to a futures contract and maintaining a presence on their practice squad. He did not play a game for the Cowboys.

Wetzel began his career with the Arizona Cardinals in Dec. 2015, signing a reserve contract and later joining their practice squad. He entered the 2016 season as a backup but eventually, much like Lindstrom's injury in Atlanta, filled in after Arizona's starting tackle went down. Wetzel would appear in all 16 games for the Cardinals that season and again in 2017, becoming a fixture of the NFC West franchise's offensive line.

Wetzel only played eight games for the Cardinals in 2018, however, and was placed on the injured reserve (IR) list in Nov. 2018. In the following offseason Wetzel signed as a free agent with the Falcons.

Wetzel's release from Atlanta should give the Falcons a minimal bump in spending in free agency, releasing the offensive lineman's cap hold on the team.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Kirk Cousins trade talks get doused in cold water after Aaron Rodgers signingJake Faigus ·
Falcons rookie standing out at OTAs, Jalon Walker
Rising Atlanta Falcons rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsCameron Zunkel ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: What Adam Schefter is hearing on Kyle Pitts injury, trade rumorsBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons insider shuts down Vikings trade ideas for Kirk CousinsMalik Brown ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts asking price douses trade talks in cold waterBen Strauss ·

—

Follow NFL on ClutchPoints on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook. We can also be found on Flipboard where you can subscribe and follow us.

All of our NFL content can be found on the NFL section of the ClutchPoints home page here. For all of our fantasy football content, click here.

Follow NFL games live by downloading the ClutchPoints App and heading to the scores tab under the NFL section.