The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent linebacker Mykal Walker to an undisclosed deal. Walker will head to D.C. in 2024 after playing in eight games (five starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year while picking up 33 tackles (21 solo) and an interception. The previous year with the Atlanta Falcons, he had a career-high 107 tackles (56 solo), his first career sack, a career-high two interceptions and six passes defended in 16 games (12 starts). The Falcons originally drafted Walker in the fourth round (119th overall) in 2020 out of Fresno State. In Washington, the 26-year-old will likely function as linebacker depth and won't be on the IDP fantasy radar.
The Chicago Bears claimed linebacker Mykal Walker off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday and waived linebacker Kuony Deng in a corresponding move. Walker was let go by the Falcons on Sunday, but it didn't take him long at all to find a new home during training camp. The 25-year-old was taken in the fourth round (119th overall) by Atlanta in 2020, and he tallied 187 tackles (56 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, four QB hits, three interceptions (one for a touchdown), 11 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 49 games (20 starts) in his first three NFL campaigns. Walker had by far his best season in 2022 with 107 tackles (56 solo), four tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and six passes defensed in 16 games (12 starts).
The Atlanta Falcons have waived linebacker Mykal Walker on Sunday. The team originally selected Walker in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. Walker recorded 107 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions in 16 games (12 starts) for the Falcons last season. It's a bit odd to see the Falcons moving on from Walker who is coming off the best season of his career. His release comes after the signing of USFL defensive player of the year Frank Ginda. There are still three weeks before the regular season begins, so Walker should be able to find another home.
The Atlanta Falcons added more depth to their defense by drafting Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker at pick No. 119. Walker is a solid off-the-ball linebacker who plays downhill in the run game. He has good athleticism that allows him to play sideline-to-sideline. His coverage skills could use work and relegate him to a backup role early in his career, but he'll provide depth for a Falcons Defense that was in need of linebacker help.
