In anticipation of the Tuesday deadline for NFL teams to cut their rosters down to 53 players, the Atlanta Falcons have begun the process of thinning their current 90-man roster. The team made their initial moves on Sunday, announcing the release of 13 players.

Among the players released by the Falcons are outside linebacker Bradlee Anae, as well as Mutin and Denis, who have showcased standout performances during the preseason. Mutin, who joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2023, recorded an impressive team-high 28 tackles across all three preseason games. In the matches against the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars, he displayed his prowess with six tackles, four tackles, and a whopping 18 tackles respectively.

Denis, another undrafted free agent acquisition from early September, also showcased his skills with the Falcons. He recorded a total of 11 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two pass breakups throughout the preseason games. Notably, Denis played every defensive snap against the Ravens, making four tackles, including two for a loss.

Bradlee Anae, a former fifth-round draft pick selected by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, has had limited playing time since his NFL debut. He made 11 appearances, recording a quarterback hit and two tackles. After spending time on the New York Jets' practice squad in 2022 and being placed on injured reserve in 2023, Anae was signed by the Falcons in May. He made an impact throughout the preseason with six tackles, four quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks across the three games. Notably, Anae played 77% of the defensive snaps in the game against the Jaguars.

These roster cuts have reduced the Falcons' current roster total to 77 players. However, the team will still need to release an additional 24 players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday to reach the mandated 53-player limit. As the Falcons continue to evaluate their roster, fans eagerly await the finalization of the team's lineup for the upcoming season.

With the clock ticking, the Falcons' coaching staff and management will have some tough decisions to make in the coming hours. The final 53-man roster will soon be revealed, setting the stage for the team's journey in the 2023 NFL season.