The Falcons released Hayward (pectoral) on Friday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward, who was let go with a failed physical designation, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, will head to free agency after logging 17 tackles (14 solo) and an interception in the first six games last season before missing the rest of the year with a pectoral injury. After adding Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes during the offseason, the Falcons moved on from the 33-year-old who will now look for a new opportunity elsewhere once he re-proves his health.