The Atlanta Falcons aren't exactly known for playing it safe when it comes to roster churning. Just when you think the 53-man roster is set in stone for the season opener, general manager Terry Fontenot goes and swipes a 300-pound defensive tackle from a division rival. That’s exactly what went down when the news broke: Falcons acquire defensive lineman Sam Roberts from Panthers practice squad.
It wasn't just a depth move. It was a tactical heist.
By plucked Roberts off Carolina’s practice squad, the Falcons didn't just add a body; they snatched a player the Panthers were clearly trying to "hide" and develop. NFL rules are pretty strict about this sort of thing. If you want a guy from someone else's practice squad, you have to give him a spot on your active 53-man roster. No stashing allowed. The Falcons liked Roberts enough to cut wide receiver David Sills V just to make the math work.
Honestly, it’s the kind of move that makes you wonder what the scouting department saw on the preseason tape that Carolina might have missed.
Why Sam Roberts fit the Falcons' vision
Roberts isn't some rookie project. He’s a massive human being—6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at around 300 pounds. He carries the "small school" chip on his shoulder, having come out of Northwest Missouri State. But don't let the D-II pedigree fool you. This guy won the Cliff Harris Award in 2021, which basically means he was the best small-college defensive player in the entire country.
The New England Patriots saw enough in him to draft him in the sixth round back in 2022. Bill Belichick doesn't usually draft defensive linemen who can’t hold their own at the point of attack.
Atlanta's defensive front has been a work in progress for, well, seemingly forever. They needed guys who could rotate in and keep starters like David Onyemata fresh. Roberts provides that "heavy" presence. He’s a guy who can plug gaps and let the linebackers roam free. In a 3-4 scheme, you need those lunch-pail workers who aren't afraid to do the dirty work in the trenches.
He didn't take long to make an impact, either. After the Falcons signed him in early September, he eventually found his way into the rotation. He’s a grinder. You've probably seen him on film; he doesn't have the flashy 10-sack season stats, but he moves people.
The journey through the NFL ringer
Sam Roberts has had a wild ride over the last couple of years.
- Drafted by the Patriots (2022).
- Spent time with the Chicago Bears.
- Landed in Carolina.
- Finally found a home (temporarily, at least) in Atlanta.
It’s a tough business. One day you’re practicing in Charlotte, and the next, you’re moving your life to Flowery Branch because a rival coach saw something in your hand usage or your leverage during a Week 3 preseason game.
The injury setback nobody wanted
Everything was looking up for Roberts in Atlanta. He was actually getting real snaps. We’re talking 30% to 40% of the defensive plays in some games. For a guy who started the year on a practice squad, that’s a massive win. He even logged a sack and 18 tackles in a five-game stretch.
Then came Week 10.
The Falcons were playing the Colts in Berlin—part of that international push the NFL loves. Roberts went down with a nasty knee and ankle injury. It was one of those "non-contact" looking things that just makes your stomach sink. Just like that, he was headed to Injured Reserve (IR). It’s the cruelest part of the league. You finally carve out a role, you start proving the doubters wrong, and your body gives out.
The team eventually designated him to return late in the season, and he was practicing again by December. There was this glimmer of hope he’d be back for the season finale against the Saints. But the coaching staff played it safe. They didn't activate him.
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What happens next for Roberts and the Falcons?
So, where does this leave us? The Falcons taking Sam Roberts from the Panthers was a clear signal that they value high-upside developmental talent over veteran "placeholder" players.
Basically, the Falcons saw a player with a high motor and elite size who was being undervalued by a division rival. They took a swing. Even with the injury, the production Roberts showed in his limited healthy games (including a sack in his debut against the Bills) suggests he’ll be a factor in the 2026 training camp battles.
If you’re a Falcons fan, you have to like the aggressiveness. You're not just waiting for the draft; you’re scouting other teams' back-end rosters every single week.
Next steps for following Sam Roberts:
- Keep an eye on the 2026 offseason workout reports. If his knee is 100%, he’s a lock to compete for a rotational spot.
- Watch the Falcons' transactions for "Reserve/Future" contracts. Roberts is the type of player who can become a "glue guy" for a defense.
- Monitor the defensive line depth chart during the draft; if Atlanta passes on mid-round tackles, it's a huge vote of confidence in guys like Roberts.