Falcons Re-signed Defensive End Zach Harrison
The team brought back the defensive end after he cleared waivers in August.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
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In August 2026, the Atlanta Falcons waived 25-year-old defensive end Zach Harrison. He subsequently cleared waivers and returned to the team's active roster.
Why it matters
The roster move allowed the franchise to maintain depth on the defensive line while managing the squad through the standard league waiver process.
Zach Harrison stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 270 pounds. The defensive end was selected as a third-round NFL draft pick.
The players
Zach Harrison
He is a 25-year-old professional football player who currently plays as a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League and is based in Atlanta.
Green Bay Packers
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
The details
The Falcons waived Harrison, which subjected the former third-round draft pick to potential claims from the other 31 NFL teams. After he passed through the waiver wire unclaimed, the organization brought him back to the active roster.
Timeline
August 2026: The Atlanta Falcons waived Zach Harrison.
October 2026: Zach Harrison recorded a tackle for loss and a blocked kick against the Green Bay Packers.
Season Trajectory
This roster move highlights the fluid nature of NFL personnel management throughout the regular season. The team's decision to retain the defensive end after he cleared waivers helps solidify their depth chart for critical late-season matchups.
Harrison's return provides additional rotation depth on the defensive line following his performance against Green Bay. This stability impacts the defensive rotation and impacts potential defensive snap counts for upcoming games.
The takeaway
Roster transparency remains a challenge for fans who monitor daily team adjustments. Tracking how players clear waivers is essential for understanding the long-term composition of an NFL defensive unit.
Further reading
For more on the latest team news, visit the Atlanta Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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