Defensive end Brooks Reed became the second player released by the Falcons to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Reed, who officially was released Thursday, joined cornerback Robert Alford with the Cardinals on Saturday.

Reed, 31, signed with the Falcons in 2015. He played in 60 games and made 34 starts.

He didn’t produce much as a pass rusher, as he had only seven sacks, but did a good job against the run.

The Falcons created $4.5 million in salary-cap space by releasing Reed.

Reed, who was drafted by the Texans, signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal March 10, 2015. He received $9 million guaranteed.

In the 2017 season opener against the Bears, Reed came up with a game-clinching sack in a 23-17 victory.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted that Reed's deal was worth about $2 million.

Reed, like Alford, was cut by the Falcons in a cost-cutting move. He played in all 16 games for the Falcons last season, starting half of them, with 24 tackles and a sack.

Reed is expected to move to outside linebacker in the Cardinals’ 3-4 scheme.

The Cardinals have signed several former Falcons in recent years.

In addition to Alford and Reed, the Cardinals signed former Falcons John Abraham (2013), Sean Weatherspoon (2015) and Corey Peters (2016). Peters played in 15 games and started 15 games last season for the Cardinals.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jalon Walker looks on moments before the Atlanta Falcons face the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com