The Atlanta Falcons just wrapped up rookie minicamp over the weekend and are in the process of making changes to their 90-man roster.
On Monday, the Falcons announced they released veteran wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II and signed veteran linebacker/core special teamer Caleb Johnson, per Falcons senior reporter Tori McElhaney.
TRANSACTION: The Falcons have signed linebacker, special teamer Caleb Johnson. In a corresponding move, they have released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II.https://t.co/TvvKPZxePN
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) May 12, 2025
Falcons Released WR Phillip Dorsett II
The 32-year-old Dorsett II did not play in any games last season with the Falcons, who signed him to the practice squad in October after the Denver Broncos cut him after the preseason.
Despite not seeing any regular-season snaps with the Falcons, Atlanta signed Dorsett to a future contract in January. The eight-year veteran receiver will look to latch on with a new team ahead of OTAs. Dorsett didn't live up to the expectations of a first-round pick, but he's found a way to stick in the league and even win a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
As for the newest Falcon, Johnson attended rookie minicamp last week after spending the previous three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 26-year-old linebacker produced 30 combined tackles and a forced fumble in 51 games with the Jags.
Last season, the former Chicago Bears’ draft pick played a career-high 81 percent of special teams snaps with the Jaguars. Johnson will have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster as the Falcons’ linebacker room is crowded with Kaden Elliss, Divine Deablo, Troy Andersen, and JD Bertrand.
However, the former Jaguars defender won’t compete with Elliss, Deablo, and Andersen for special-teams snaps. But Bertrand, the 2024 fifth-round pick, could pose some competition for the veteran linebacker.
The second-year linebacker had 23 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a sack in 12 games. Bertrand played 19% of defensive snaps, but 76% of special teams snaps.
Nonetheless, we’ll see if Johnson can make the 53-man roster and if the team makes any more moves to add players from rookie minicamp.