The Atlanta Falcons have been going through a period of major changes in recent hours involving roster moves during the offseason. A day after announcing their intention to terminate a quarterback, the franchise decided to terminate the contract of a Pro Bowl-selected wide receiver.
Atlanta Falcons Release Pro Bowl WR KhaDarel Hodge Amid Offseason Shakeup
According to Ari Meirov, the Falcons terminated their contract with KhaDarel Hodge, one year after the 31-year-old wide receiver was selected for the Pro Bowl. Hodge played for the franchise for four seasons, and his release could save the team approximately $2.64 million in payroll costs.
The WR still had one year remaining on his contract with the Falcons, the result of a two-year, $6 million extension signed last season.
However, the Falcons’ rebuilding process was decisive in releasing the athlete on the eve of free agency.
The #Falcons are releasing WR and former Pro Bowl special-teamer KhaDarel Hodge, per @Schultz_Report.
Move will clear $2,640,000 in salary cap space. pic.twitter.com/fPszpYQjB1
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 25, 2026
Although officially a WR, Hodge’s main contribution is on special teams, a role that earned him Pro Bowler honors. Throughout his career in the league, he also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions.
His best mark as a receiver was in 2023, still with the Falcons, when he totaled 232 yards on 14 receptions. In his career, he has caught 67 passes for 1,026 yards and two touchdowns. Due to his versatility and excellence in the specialist sector, it is believed that Hodge will quickly find a new destination.
Meanwhile, the Falcons continue to undergo restructuring under new management, led by Matt Ryan (President of Operations), Kevin Stefanski (Head Coach), and Ian Cunningham (General Manager).
The WR was the second big name to be cut by the team this week. Last Monday, general manager Ian Cunningham had already revealed that Kirk Cousins (who ranks No. 30 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with a C- grade) would be released, even though the veteran still had two years left on his contract with the franchise.
Cousins’ departure comes after a strategic contract restructuring in January. The original four-year, $180 million deal was modified, reducing the player’s 2026 base salary from $35 million to just over $2 million.
This maneuver gave the Falcons immediate salary-cap flexibility (about $100 million in cap space), while also preventing the team from being stuck with million-dollar guarantees that would be activated in 2027. By releasing the veteran now, the franchise accepts a “dead money” impact but clears the books for the following years.
