Falcons claim former Patriots quarterback/wide receiver Danny Etling off the waiver wire

On Tuesday, the New England Patriots parted ways with Danny Etling in order to create space on the roster for trade acquisition Eric Saubert: Etling was placed on the waiver wire, but twenty-four hours later has found a new home. As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, Saubert’s former team has claimed the second-year man — he will now join the Atlanta Falcons to add depth either at the quarterback position or at wide receiver.

Etling originally joined the Patriots as a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He was in a tough spot from the get-go, however, as he entered a position depth chart headed by Tom Brady and experienced backup Brian Hoyer. Etling had to fight for his roster life all summer long — a fight that ultimately proved to be an unsuccessful one for the LSU product. He went on to spend his entire rookie season on New England’s practice squad.

His position did not improve this offseason — quite the opposite, actually. When the Patriots drafted Jarrett Stidham in the fourth round, Etling’s fate was effectively sealed. He had virtually no chances of making the Patriots’ roster this summer with three other quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart and his position change to wide receiver not exactly going well. Now, however, he is in a position to prove his value to another team.