Ross Blacklock, former defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, has signed with the Atlanta Falcons after a tryout with the Green Bay Packers. He aims to revive his career in the NFC.
Key points
Ross Blacklock signs with Atlanta Falcons
Formerly played for Minnesota Vikings
Had a tryout with Green Bay Packers
Aims to revive his stalled career
Was a 2nd-Round draft pick
Ross BlacklockMinnesota VikingsAtlanta FalconsGreen Bay Packers
Blacklock is back in the NFC, trying to turn a camp opportunity into staying power.
Blacklock’s career has stalled compared to his once-promising 2nd-Round draft stock six years ago, but he’ll hope to rekindle his career on Kevin Stefanski’s team.
Atlanta Adds More Depth to Its Defensive Line
A short-timer for the Vikings, Blacklock eyes a roster spot in Atlanta.
Ross Blacklock leaves the field after a Vikings victory during the NFL International Series game in London.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Ross Blacklock walks off the field after a win on Oct. 2, 2022, during the NFL International Series matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Blacklock spent the 2022 season providing rotational defensive line depth for Minnesota after arriving via trade from the before training camp. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.
Q&A
Why did Ross Blacklock leave the Minnesota Vikings?
Ross Blacklock left the Minnesota Vikings after his career stalled, leading him to seek new opportunities.
What team did Ross Blacklock sign with after the Vikings?
Ross Blacklock signed with the Atlanta Falcons after his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
What was Ross Blacklock's draft position when he entered the NFL?
Ross Blacklock was a 2nd-Round draft pick when he entered the NFL six years ago.
What opportunity is Ross Blacklock trying to secure with the Falcons?
Ross Blacklock is trying to turn his camp opportunity with the Falcons into a long-term position on the team.
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Make it seven NFL teams in seven seasons for Blacklock. SI.com‘s Garrett Chapman wrote Monday, “The Atlanta Falcons have announced a flurry of roster moves after the conclusion of rookie minicamp last weekend. It was reported on Monday morning that they would sign offensive lineman Layden Robinson, but an additional slew of moves was made, according to Tori McElhaney.”
“The Falcons welcomed 46 players to Flowery Branch over the weekend, including six drafted players, 14 undrafted free agents, and 24 players auditioning for roster spots. Of those auditioning players, four, including Robinson, were signed. The others include defensive lineman Ross Blacklock, offensive tackle Brandon Walton, and linebacker Daveren Rayner.”
Blacklock last lived on the New York Giants’ practice squad in 2024.
Blacklock’s Background
The aforementioned Giants signed Blacklock to their practice squad in mid-December 2024. Although a futures contract typically implies an opportunity to compete for a spot on the 2025 summer roster, his tenure was brief, as he was released before the offseason concluded.
The 27-year-old defensive lineman has played in 44 NFL games, starting three and accumulating 40 total tackles, 9 quarterback hits, 5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. A 2nd-Round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2020 NFL Draft, Blacklock saw his most extensive action with them in 2022, playing 455 defensive snaps.
About four years ago, the Vikings acquired Blacklock and a 7th-Round pick from Houston in exchange for a 6th-Round pick. However, the TCU product struggled to establish himself in Minnesota, playing just 139 defensive snaps before his release in the summer of 2023, following the emergence of Jonathan Bullard and Jaquelin Roy. Blacklock was notably one of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s initial trade acquisitions.
Ross Blacklock celebrates after a sack during a preseason game between the Vikings and Cardinals.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Ross Blacklock celebrates after recording a sack on Aug. 26, 2023, during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Blacklock flashed interior pass-rushing ability during exhibition action while competing for a rotational defensive role in Brian Flores’ revamped Minnesota defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Since his release from Minnesota, Blacklock has moved between five different teams without securing a permanent role, suggesting a career on a downward trajectory. Nevertheless, a recent contract with the Falcons offers him at least one more opportunity.
Kevin Stefanski speaks to reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addresses reporters on Feb. 24, 2026, during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Stefanski entered the offseason facing heightened expectations after Atlanta aggressively reshaped portions of its roster ahead of the 2026 NFL campaign and free agency cycle. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
BleacherReport‘s Brent Sobleski graded the Falcons’ offseason with a C+ grade this week, noting, “The hiring of a two-time NFL head coach of the Year in Kevin Stefanski, who serves as his own offensive play-caller, and offensive line coach Bill Callahan should help maximize this group. The biggest issue remains the uncertainty around last year’s rookie standout James Pearce Jr.”
“The 2025 first-round pick agreed to enter an intervention program, which allowed him to avoid trial on felony domestic violence charges. Significant talent can be found on Atlanta’s roster. The group needs to come together under its new leadership so the Falcons can finally take over the NFC South.”
