Jalen Collins clears waivers

Can Jalen Collins supplant Robert Alford as starting cornerback? Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Michael Cunningham

Credit: Michael Cunningham

Can Jalen Collins supplant Robert Alford as starting cornerback? Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Cornerback Jalen Collins, who was released after serving his 10-game suspension, cleared waivers on Wednesday.

He is now a free agent and can sign with any team.

Collins was able to return to practice this week after serving the lengthy suspension for his second violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy.

Collins’ suspension was announced during training camp in early August. Before his suspension was announced, when the Falcons knew the upcoming penalty, Collins worked with the third-team defense.

Collins, who was suspended without pay, was taken in the second round by the Falcons in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played in 24 games with eight starts over two seasons. Last season, he recorded two interceptions and 31 total tackles – 28 solo, and 10 passes defensed.

With Trufant out with injury, Collins started in Super Bowl LI.

Collins becomes the second high draft pick released by the Falcons this season.

The Falcons released defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman, a second-round pick in 2014, after his involvement in a domestic violence case on Sept. 4. He was suspended for six-games by the league.