Falcons add four new players, including former Patriots offensive lineman
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons added four new players on their roster Monday, signing offensive linemen Layden Robinson and Brandon Walton, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock and linebacker Daveren Rayner.
Also, the Falcons announced they released running back Carlos Washington Jr., receiver Deven Thompkins, tight end Brandon Frazier and defensive tackle Ben Stille.
Robinson and Blacklock were the Falcons’ two veteran tryout players at rookie minicamp over the weekend.
The 25-year-old Robinson is perhaps the most interesting addition. Drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 2024, Robinson started 11 games — six at right guard, five at left guard — and made 13 appearances as a rookie.
But after a coaching change the following offseason, Robinson failed to crack New England’s lineup. He was waived/injured at the end of training camp, reverted to injured reserve and waived again Oct. 13.
The 6-foot-3, 311-pound Robinson joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad Oct. 21 before he was waived May 2.
As for the departures, Thompson and Washington both saw playing time last season. Thompson appeared in seven games, catching three passes for 27 yards and adding one rush for five yards. Washington, a heavy contributor in recent preseasons, played 10 snaps on special teams in the season opener. He’s spent three years with the organization, largely on the practice squad.
Robinson joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad Oct. 21, 2025, and signed a reserve/future contract Jan. 5. He was waived May 2.
Robinson spent five years at Texas A&M, where he started 33 games over his final three seasons. He was a team captain and second-team All-SEC honoree in 2023.
The Falcons return both starting guards from last year, Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron, along with seasoned backups Kyle Hinton and Andrew Stueber. Robinson’s path to a roster spot is murky, but his starting experience and ability to play both guard spots is an added benefit to his case.
The Falcons begin OTAs, their first under coach Kevin Stefanski, on May 18 in Flowery Branch.
