FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga – The Falcons announced the release of veteran defensive end Derrick Shelby on Friday, ending his two-year tenure with the team.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said they would have to make some tough decisions to make this offseason, and Shelby's release certainly falls under that category.
Atlanta signed Shelby to a reported four-year, $18 million contract on March 14, 2016, to help provide depth to their pass rush. Shelby was signed by the Falcons in 2016 after spending his first four seasons in Miami with the Dolphins. Shelby played in six games for the Falcons in 2016, recording eight tackles, before a torn Achilles forced him to miss the rest of the season. In 2017, Shelby saw action in 16 games and tallied 30 total tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. During his career, he has played in 85 games with 27 starts, while posting 142 total tackles, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown.
