Earlier this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons took a shot in the dark by signing offensive guard Layden Robinson after working him out during rookie minicamp. They wanted to see if Robinson could re-capture his rookie form after starting 11 of 13 games with the New England Patriots back in 2024.
Unfortunately, their hopes of him becoming a quality depth OL ended before they could really begin. Just days after their preseason loss to the Denver Broncos, the Falcons claimed their first roster victims: Robinson and backup punter Matthew Hayball, who was their international designation.
The Atlanta Falcons have released offensive lineman Layden Robinson and punter Matthew Hayball.
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 17, 2026
Hayball was the team's international designation and did not count against the 90-man roster limit. pic.twitter.com/gYgIuNVzwu
While the Hayball release didn't require a corresponding move since he didn't count against the 90-man roster, it's not hard to see why the Falcons felt comfortable cutting Layden Robinson: they have more qualified candidates who can step in as a backup guard: including a rising undrafted rookie.
Layden Robinson's release is good news for rookie OG Kam Dewberry
Atlanta signed Alabama guard Kam Dewberry as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2026 NFK Draft, and he got overshadowed by other UDFAs. While guys like Jack Strand, James Brockermeyer, and Vinny Anthony have captured the most buzz, he's well-positioned to make the Week 1 roster.
While the Dirty Birds are embarking on more of a competition at the tackle spots, the guard spots are more clearer. Kyle Hinton is likely to be the backup left guard behind Matthew Bergeron, while the competition at right guard was between Dewberry and Robinson (although he played left guard next to Kadyn Proctor) blocking for Ty Simpson with the Crimson Tide.
While Dewberry's name hasn't come up all that often in discussions at Falcons training camp, he didn't have to do much to lap Robinson. The 2024 fourth-round pick looked like he was moving in slow motion against the Broncos, and a lineman that's about as slow as molasses will not cut it.
The 22-year-old has some high upside, as he appeared in 46 games across four college seasons with two high-level SEC programs in Alabama and Texas A&M. And at 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, he has the size and pedigree to offer Atlanta the guard depth they were hoping Robinson would eventually.
I wouldn't call Dewberry a roster lock after the Robinson release, but it certainly helps his chances. Since Ethan Onianwa and Brandon Walton are getting more run at right tackle, he's essentially running unopposed for the backup right guard job. Only Jaeden Roberts is going to push him.
Kam Dewberry may not be the biggest household name among the Atlanta Falcons' undrafted free agent class, but the bigger names have overshadowed his very real hopes of making the roster.
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