The Atlanta Falcons have terminated the contract of offensive tackle Jack Nelson, waiving the 2025 seventh-round pick with an injury settlement.
The move ends Nelson’s brief tenure with the team after he was initially waived/injured earlier in the week and reverted to injured reserve.
Nelson, listed at 6-foot-7 and around 314 pounds, arrived in Atlanta as the 218th overall selection out of the University of Wisconsin.
A native of Stoughton, Wisconsin, he built a strong college reputation as a durable, physical presence along the Badgers’ offensive line. He redshirted in 2020, then developed into a multi-year starter, playing right guard before shifting to left tackle.
Across his career he started the vast majority of his games and earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition, establishing himself as a dominant force in the conference known for producing tough, technical linemen.
In his rookie NFL season, Nelson appeared in 10 games for the Falcons but saw extremely limited offensive snaps, logging just a handful of plays while contributing more on special teams.
He entered 2026 training camp dealing with an undisclosed injury, which ultimately led to the roster decision as Atlanta reshaped its depth chart under new leadership following previous regime changes.
The injury settlement frees Nelson to pursue opportunities with other teams once healthy, while giving the Falcons additional roster and salary-cap flexibility.
At 24 years old with a prototypical frame and Big Ten pedigree, he retains the physical tools that made him a reliable college starter. Scouts had long pointed to his size, length, and experience as traits that could translate with further development.
Nelson’s departure marks another early-career adjustment for a late-round prospect navigating the competitive NFL landscape.
Wisconsin’s pipeline of offensive linemen has produced numerous professionals, and Nelson’s path—from five-star recruit to multi-year starter to draft pick—followed a familiar trajectory for Badgers products.
Whether he lands elsewhere in 2026 or beyond will depend on his recovery and ability to showcase the same dominance he displayed in the Big Ten.
For now, the Falcons move forward without the towering tackle, while Nelson looks ahead to the next chapter of his professional career.
