Why did Trey Sermon get released by multiple NFL franchises? The short answer is a combination of scheme incompatibility, recurring injuries, and roster limits.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Sermon was cut because he struggled in Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone system and was outplayed by other backs.
Since then, his transactions with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis Colts have been dictated by crowded backfields, untimely physical setbacks, and active roster math. Here is a breakdown of why his professional path has been so volatile.
The San Francisco 49ers Breakup: Why Did Trey Sermon Get Released First?
The San Francisco 49ers drafted the young running back with high expectations in 2021. However, his tenure in California lasted just one season before the front office decided to move on.
Scheme Incompatibility in Shanahan’s System
The running back struggled significantly to adapt to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s complex outside-zone rushing scheme. The system demands an immediate, explosive cut-and-go ability that did not align with his natural running style.
As a result, his lack of ideal lateral explosiveness made it difficult to find consistent rushing lanes in this specialized offense.
Outplayed by Emerging Backfield Competitors
During the 2022 training camp, the former third-round draft pick fell rapidly down the team’s depth chart.
Sixth-round rookie Elijah Mitchell had already established himself, and undrafted free agent Jordan Mason completely outplayed him during preseason practices.
The coaching staff chose to prioritize the high-performing Mason for active roster depth.
Roster Crunch and the Waiver Gambit
The front office officially waived him during final cuts in August 2022 to claim offensive lineman Blake Hance off waivers.
While management hoped to slip him onto their practice squad, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him immediately. This move marked his first official departure from an NFL franchise.
Why Did Trey Sermon Get Released by the Philadelphia Eagles?
Joining a championship-caliber team in Pennsylvania offered a fresh start for the young running back. Unfortunately, his time there was defined by limited opportunities and ill-timed physical setbacks.
Buried Behind Established Depth Chart Veterans
After being claimed by the Eagles, he spent almost the entire 2022 campaign inactive.
He was buried deep on the depth chart behind established contributors Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell, limiting him to virtually zero game-day action. He was unable to earn offensive repetitions in a highly competitive system.
Preseason Injuries and the Final Settlement
By the 2023 preseason, the backfield grew even more crowded with the additions of D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. He suffered a poorly timed injury during this crucial evaluation period.
Unable to secure a spot on the active roster, he was waived with an injury designation and subsequently released from Injured Reserve with an injury settlement.
Stability and Free Agency Departure with the Indianapolis Colts
Following his departure from the Eagles, the running back found a period of stability in Indianapolis during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
This stint represented the most productive stretch of his professional career, as he established himself as a reliable asset in the AFC South.
Rather than being waived or cut mid-season, his exit from Indianapolis was purely a business decision at the conclusion of his contract.
- 1. Primary Backup Role: He carved out a reliable niche as the primary backup to star running back Jonathan Taylor, showing he could execute when called upon.
- 2. Increased Production: This two-year stint with the franchise became the most productive phase of his NFL career, validating his draft pedigree.
- 3. Unrestricted Free Agency: His one-year contract expired at the conclusion of the 2024 season, leaving his future up to market negotiations.
- 4. Non-Renewal Decision: The front office chose not to re-sign him for the 2025 season, allowing him to test unrestricted free agency without being waived.
Why Did Trey Sermon Get Released by the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The next stop on his NFL journey brought him to the AFC North. Despite a highly promising training camp performance, roster limits ultimately forced another swift departure.
The Roster Numbers Game in the Steel City
He originally joined the franchise following a successful tryout and put together a solid preseason performance.
However, the coaching staff committed to carrying only three active running backs on their 53-man roster, choosing Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Kaleb Johnson ahead of him. Consequently, he lost the numbers game.
Practice Squad Shuffle and Special Teams Role
The team initially stashed him on the practice squad and elevated him briefly to contribute on special teams.
However, when the organization desperately needed roster spots for a returning quarterback and defensive depth, they had to waive him. He was let go to sign offensive tackle David Sharpe for line depth.
Sidelined in Atlanta: His Current NFL Roster Status
In August 2026, the running back signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons to compete for a depth role behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Unfortunately, his opportunity was cut short just nine days into his tenure when he suffered an undisclosed injury during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos. On August 19, 2026, the franchise placed him on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR).
| Contract Element | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Franchise | Atlanta Falcons |
| Contract Length | 1 Year (2026 Season) |
| Total Contract Value | $1,215,000 |
| Base Salary | $615,000 |
| 2026 Salary Cap Hit | $565,000 |
| Free Agent Status | Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2027 |
While being placed on Injured Reserve prevents him from playing for Atlanta this season, it does not mean his time with the team is over. If his undisclosed injury heals, the Falcons could release him via an injury settlement.
This would make him an unrestricted free agent immediately, clearing him to sign and play with another franchise later in the 2026 season.
Analyzing the Core Themes of Trey Sermon’s Career Transitions
Looking across his five professional stops, several recurring patterns emerge that explain why his career has followed this journeyman trajectory. These factors are common across the league but have hit the young back especially hard:
- 1. System and Scheme Fit: His early release from San Francisco proved how crucial scheme alignment is; a running back drafted for one system can become obsolete when they do not fit the specific blocking and running schemes.
- 2. Roster Math and Limits: NFL teams are strictly bound by the 53-man roster limit. When a franchise decides to carry only three running backs, a capable fourth option is inevitably waived or placed on the practice squad.
- 3. Timing of Physical Setbacks: Injuries in the NFL are about more than just recovery; they are about timing. Getting hurt during the preseason—as he did with the Eagles and Falcons—prevents players from earning active roster spots.
- 4. The Draft Capital Paradox: Being a third-round selection brings initial safety, but once a player is outplayed by lower-drafted or undrafted rookies like Elijah Mitchell or Jordan Mason, draft pedigree no longer guarantees a roster spot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trey Sermon’s NFL Status
Does Trey Sermon Still Play in the NFL?
Yes, he is still an active NFL player, though he is currently sidelined. He signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2026 season to compete for a backup running back role behind Bijan Robinson.
While his season is currently halted, he remains on an active franchise roster.
What Happened to Trey Sermon in Atlanta?
During a 2026 preseason game against the Denver Broncos, he suffered an undisclosed injury just nine days after signing his contract.
On August 19, 2026, the Falcons officially placed him on season-ending Injured Reserve, meaning he cannot suit up for Atlanta this year unless waived.
What is Trey Sermon’s Current NFL Contract?
He signed a low-risk, short-term one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2026 season worth a total value of $1,215,000. This contract includes a base salary of $615,000 and carries a cap hit of $565,000, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
The Future Outlook for the NFL Journeyman
While his 2026 season with the Atlanta Falcons has been severely impacted by his placement on Injured Reserve, his career is far from over.
At just 27 years old, the running back has shown resilience and utility, especially during his productive two-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
Once his undisclosed injury heals, he may secure an injury settlement from Atlanta, allowing him to sign with a new team as a free agent.
If not, he will enter the 2027 offseason as an unrestricted free agent, ready to compete for a spot in another franchise’s backfield.
