FLOWERY BRANCH — Desmond Trufant is no longer an Atlanta Falcon.
The Falcons officially announced on Wednesday his release from the team with a post-June 1 designation.
Trufant was selected by the Falcons in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2013 Draft out of Washington. In seven seasons, he started all 97 games in which he has played, totaling 326 tackles (270 solo), 13 interceptions, 79 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and five sacks.
“Desmond has been an integral part of our team’s success over the last seven years,” said General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “We owe him a great deal of gratitude for the talent he’s provided and the heart and soul he’s poured into our organization, on and off the field.”
Last season, Trufant started all nine games played before spending the remainder of the season on injured reserve. The seven-year vet totaled 18 tackles (13 solo), a career-high four interceptions and seven passes defensed. In Week 2, he intercepted Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz twice, marking his first multiple interception game. Trufant later notched back-to-back games with interceptions of Carolina QB Kyle Allen and Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston in Weeks 11 and 12.
In 2015, the Washington native was named to his first Pro Bowl after totaling 43 tackles (35 solo), one interception, one sack, 11 passes defensed and his first career touchdown on a 24-yard fumble recovery in Week 4.
In his rookie year, Trufant started all 16 games and earned All-Rookie honors from PFWA and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by Pro Football Focus after notching 74 tackles (12 solo) with a franchise-rookie record 17 passes defensed and two interceptions.
