The Atlanta Falcons aren’t exactly flush with wide receiver depth, and on Tuesday, they opted to release one of their key contributors from last season after a bout of controversy.
While Drake London is the Falcons’ clear go-to wide receiver, their passing attack has been inconsistent this year. This is in part because one of their playmakers, who racked up 686 receiving yards in 2024, saw his role mysteriously phased out of Atlanta’s offense. Fans won’t like hearing that Tuesday’s news offers little clarity.
Why Did the Atlanta Falcons Release Ray-Ray McCloud III?
As ESPN.com’s Marc Raimondi and multiple other outlets reported, Falcons wide receiver McCloud III was abruptly cut loose on Tuesday. McCloud has been out of action since the Falcons beat the Washington Commanders 34-27 in Week 4 and went into their bye the next week.
Raimondi also reported that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris sent McCloud home, and all he said about the wideout’s status was that he was dealing with a personal matter.
“Excused absence — home,” Morris said. “Working through some things right now that are private with my young man, and we’ll figure those things out as we go.” Prior to Atlanta’s 20-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, McCloud expressed his desire to be on the field.
On October 18, 2025, McCloud posted on X, “I know my dawgs goin’ ball tomorrow!! I wanted this one bad with yall boys. Love yall , go Ball out and Let’s go get this win 🙌🏾 ….. 5 & 1 handle that for me plz 🏆 (y’all know what im talking about)!”
I know my dawgs goin’ ball tomorrow!! I wanted this one bad with yall boys. Love yall , go Ball out and Let’s go get this win 🙌🏾 ….. 5 & 1 handle that for me plz 🏆 (y’all know what im talking about)!
— RayRay McCloud III (@RMIII_34) October 18, 2025
For a player who was coming off a career season and figured to be a major factor in vaulting the Falcons back into the NFC playoff mix, this sudden exit from McCloud is equal parts confusing and concerning.
One possible explanation for McCloud being demoted so rapidly is the firing of former wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard. Former NFL backup quarterback T.J. Yates took over the role for Hilliard in addition to juggling duties as passing game coordinator.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. sure could use some help to inject more life into Atlanta’s passing game. Penix ranks 26th in PFSN’s QB Impact rankings as he continues to adapt to life as an NFL field general.
Despite the presence of Bijan Robinson alongside him in the backfield, Penix has managed a middling 85.2 passer rating en route to a 3-3 record.
Strange times for the Falcons. If they want to hang tough in the race for the postseason, they might consider a move for another pass catcher before the November 4 NFL trade deadline. McCloud sure can’t help the cause anymore in the wake of his surprising release.
