DeAngelo Malone entered the league as a third-round pick in 2022 with expectations of becoming a standout pass rusher. However, as he approaches roster cutdown day, his focus has shifted to simply making the 53-man roster and contributing to the team. His performance has seen a stark decline since his rookie season, where he recorded minimal defensive snaps in 2023 while excelling in special teams. With a crowded outside linebacker group comprising established players, Malone's path to securing a spot hinges on his special teams performance, where he showed promise this preseason. Transitioning back to his traditional outside linebacker role under a new defensive system, Malone is looking to absorb lessons from his coaches and maximize his opportunities. Time will tell if it will be enough to keep him on the roster.