Falcons Team Notes

[Atlanta Falcons]

Check out what's going on with your Atlanta Falcons.

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons make surprising pick in PFF's new 2025 NFL mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons have several needs to fill during the 2025 NFL offseason but most of them are on defense. While many expect the team to target an edge rusher or cornerback early in the draft, Atlanta has yet to take a defensive player in the first round under general manager Terry Fontenot.

That could change in 2025 since the Falcons have multiple defensive free agents, including Matthew Judon, Justin Simmons and Mike Hughes. The team can’t afford to re-sign everyone unless Fontenot pulls out some last-second salary cap magic.

Atlanta will likely add some defensive talent, but the team has rarely done what those around the NFL have expected in the draft. Would the Falcons ignore their defense again in favor of another offensive playmaker?

That’s what the team does in Pro Football Focus’ new mock draft. PFF’s Mason Cameron has the team selecting Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden with the No. 15 overall pick:

With Michael Penix Jr. set to take over as the starter in 2025, surrounding him with more offensive firepower would be a smart way to set him up for early success. Luther Burden is a natural playmaker out of the slot, excelling with the ball in his hands. Over the past two seasons, he has ranked in the 87th percentile in yards after catch per reception, showcasing his dynamic ability in the open field. Pairing Burden with Darnell Mooney and Drake London, who is coming off his best season as a pro, would give Penix one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. — Mason Cameron, PFF

Not only do the Falcons have two capable wideouts in Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but they have a running back in Bijan Robinson who excels at catching the football out of the backfield.

London went over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career while Mooney finished with 991 yards despite sitting out the season finale. Tight end Kyle Pitts had a quiet year, though, and some believe Atlanta will trade the former No. 4 overall pick during the offseason.

Burden is the 10th-ranked player on PFF’s 2025 big board. The 5-foot-11 wideout finished his final season at Missouri with 61 catches for 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Bijan Robinson on Falcons' expectations in 2025, Michael Penix Jr.​

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games​

NFL experts propose trade sending Kyle Pitts to AFC East team​

What are the Falcons' odds of trading for Browns DE Myles Garrett?​

Falcons rookie QB weighs in on Kyle Pitts situation​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/08/falcons-2025-nfl-mock-draft-luther-burden/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Bijan Robinson on Falcons' expectations in 2025, Michael Penix Jr.

After a promising 6-3 start, the Atlanta Falcons went 2-6 over their final eight games last season and blew a chance at winning the NFC South for the first time since 2016.

Offensively, the team is in good shape with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading a talented group of playmakers, including running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London.

Robinson is fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance and making the rounds ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The former No. 8 overall pick was asked how close the team is to taking control of the division.

“Yeah man, I think we’re close,” said Robinson. “Obviously, you want the best outcome in your season, but for us, I think the thing that we’ve got to get good at is taking everything one week, one game at a time — one day at a time.”

.@Bijan5Robinson believes the @AtlantaFalcons have the tools to be top competitors in the NFC South as we look into the 2025 season.

: #NFLHonors – Tonight 9pm ET on FOX

: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3Hh9vSyZI5

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 6, 2025

Robinson was also asked about Penix taking over at quarterback and the challenges ahead.

“For Mike, understanding that he’s now the starting quarterback for our team and for him coming into his second year, this will be really important for this offseason for him to just get comfortable with everybody,” said Robinson. “To find everybody’s rhythms, to find his own rhythm. Obviously, we’re going to help him out a lot.”

Robinson saw how quickly the Falcons went from NFC South favorites to missing the playoffs last season and wants to take it one day at a time.

“The goal is obviously to win the [NFC] South but for us, like we wanna just take it one game at a time and focus on what we have to do at hand instead of like looking into the future and seeing what we want to become instead of what we’re focusing on now.”

Last season, Robinson finished third in the NFL with 1,456 rushing yards while scoring 15 total touchdowns (14 rushing).

More Latest Falcons News!​

Falcons make surprising pick in PFF's new 2025 NFL mock draft​

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games​

NFL experts propose trade sending Kyle Pitts to AFC East team​

What are the Falcons' odds of trading for Browns DE Myles Garrett?​

Falcons rookie QB weighs in on Kyle Pitts situation​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/07/bijan-robinson-falcons-michael-penix/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Kirk Cousins reveals more injury details from 2024 season

The 2024 season was arguably the worst of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ 13-year NFL career. Coming off an Achilles injury that prematurely ended his 2023 campaign, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the quarterback-needy Falcons in free agency.

Early in the season, the 36-year-old still appeared to be feeling the effects of his Achilles injury. Cousins lacked mobility for the first few games but turned things around with a dominant stretch in October.

Right when the team was hitting its stride, the veteran signal-caller began the worst four-game stretch of his NFL career. Many around the league openly wondered if Cousins was playing hurt and his recent comments added more fuel to the fire.

Cousins discussed the challenges of playing through ankle, shoulder and elbow injuries during the 2024 season in a new feature from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

“The challenge I had was — and it sounds strange to say — it was like the rest of my ankle still needed to figure out how to be an ankle again,” said Cousins. “And that’s what I was working through, especially early in the season.”

The Falcons QB refused to say his ankle was bothering him throughout the year but his comments and play on the field suggest otherwise. Cousins went on to discuss the shoulder and elbow injuries he suffered from a brutal Week 10 hit against the New Orleans Saints.

“But then I took a hit against the Saints in Week 10 that messed with my shoulder and elbow,” added Cousins. “So now, I had the right ankle, the shoulder, the elbow — there was a lot I was working through. That was hard.”

The Falcons’ four-game losing streak began in Week 10 with a loss to the underdog Saints. Head coach Raheem Morris was forced to bench his $180 million quarterback after the team barely escaped Las Vegas with a win over the Desmond Ridder-led Raiders.

Penix took over in Week 16 and led the team to a decisive win over the New York Giants. However, Atlanta’s defense crumbled over the final two weeks of the season and the team missed the playoffs for a seventh year in a row.

Perhaps with more clarity (and transparency) at the quarterback position, the Falcons can break the streak in 2025.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Falcons miss out on Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 NFL re-draft​

Falcons make surprising pick in PFF's new 2025 NFL mock draft​

Bijan Robinson on Falcons' expectations in 2025, Michael Penix Jr.​

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games​

NFL experts propose trade sending Kyle Pitts to AFC East team​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/falcons-kirk-cousins-injury-news-2024/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons miss out on Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 NFL re-draft

When the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, many around the league were highly critical of the pick. While Penix was projected to go somewhere in the first round, Atlanta wasn’t on anyone’s radar as a landing spot.

It’s been less than a year since the Falcons drafted the former Washington Huskies QB and the criticism has mostly turned to optimism. Penix played well enough over the final three games of the year to justify being the No. 8 overall pick.

Despite a strong year from this year’s crop of rookie quarterbacks, there’s a good chance that Penix would go even higher if the 2024 NFL draft were to be held today.

In NFL.com’s 2024 re-draft, the Falcons rookie didn’t even make it out of the top five. Instead, the New York Giants moved up to pick No. 5 to snag Penix out from under Atlanta:

The Giants use their mulligan to trade up one spot for Michael Penix Jr., securing their franchise QB and overwriting the disastrous Daniel Jones/Drew Lock/Tommy DeVito/Tim Boyle debacle of 2024. Giving up Malik Nabers is certainly not ideal, and we did consider a scenario where New York kept the elite WR and then targeted its new franchise passer with the third overall pick in the 2025 draft. — NFL.com’s Ali Bhanpuri & Tom Blair

With Kirk Cousins’ sudden decline putting his future with the team in doubt, Penix gives the Falcons stability at the game’s most important position. However, Atlanta still made out okay in NFL.com’s 2024 re-draft.

At pick No. 8, the Falcons land a dominant defender in Jared Verse. The Florida State edge rusher was just awarded the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following a stellar rookie season for the Los Angeles Rams:

The Falcons would surely love to re-draft Penix — their original pick, whose selection would seem a lot less unorthodox now that we know he ended up taking the QB reins from Kirk Cousins during the season — but the promising youngster is gone. So Atlanta jumps on Jared Verse, whose Pro Bowl efforts helped the Rams do what the Falcons could not: climb out of the NFC’s middle class and reach the postseason. — NFL.com’s Ali Bhanpuri & Tom Blair

Hindsight is 20/20, but the Falcons have to feel vindicated after so many criticized their decision to double up at the quarterback position. Cousins may have been an expensive mistake, however, Penix’s promise makes it easier to digest.

The Falcons will likely attempt to upgrade their defense in the 2025 NFL draft, assuming they don’t take a wide receiver in Round 1.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Kirk Cousins reveals more injury details from 2024 season​

Falcons make surprising pick in PFF's new 2025 NFL mock draft​

Bijan Robinson on Falcons' expectations in 2025, Michael Penix Jr.​

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games​

NFL experts propose trade sending Kyle Pitts to AFC East team​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/falcons-michael-penix-jared-verse-2024-nfl-redraft/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games

The Atlanta Falcons ended their season on a disappointing note, losing two straight games and missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. It wasn’t all bad, though, and the team’s future appears bright with its trio of stars on offense.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. played well during his three starts while running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London recorded the first 1,000-yard seasons of their careers. Robinson was the biggest breakout star of the bunch.

The second-year running back finished third in rushing with 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson was chosen to replace Eagles running back Saquon Barkley at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. Barkley could not attend due to his team making the Super Bowl.

Robinson was happy to fill in and was mic’d up for his weekend at the Pro Bowl. Watch below, as shared by the team’s social media account:

Pro Bowlin’ with @Bijan5Robinson on the mic!

pic.twitter.com/NTeoa56xOT

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 5, 2025

Over his first two NFL seasons, Robinson has rushed for 2,432 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 119 catches for 918 receiving yards and another five scores through the air.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Kirk Cousins reveals more injury details from 2024 season​

Falcons miss out on Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 NFL re-draft​

Falcons make surprising pick in PFF's new 2025 NFL mock draft​

Bijan Robinson on Falcons' expectations in 2025, Michael Penix Jr.​

NFL experts propose trade sending Kyle Pitts to AFC East team​

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com...-robinson-was-micd-up-at-2025-pro-bowl-games/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons Offseason: List of offensive free agents in 2025


Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/falcons-free-agents-2025-drew-dalman/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons sign 18th player to reserve/future contract

The Atlanta Falcons have signed offensive lineman Kilian Zierer to a reserve/future contract, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon. The former Auburn standout went undrafted in 2024 before signing with the Houston Texans.

Zierer spent most of the season on the practice squad and has not appeared in an NFL game. The 6-foot-7, 312-pounder can provide some depth at offensive tackle in training camp. The Falcons have signed 18 players to reserve/future contracts since the 2024 season ended.

Falcons 2025 reserve/future contracts:​

1. QB Emory Jones
2. WR Phillip Dorsett II
3. RB Elijah Dotson
4. WR Jesse Matthews
5. WR Dylan Drummond
6. OL Joey Fisher
7. OL Jovaughn Gwyn
8. OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
9. DL Junior Aho
10. DB Lamar Jackson
11. DE Khalid Kareem
12. DB Benny Sapp III
13. WR Makai Polk
14. OL Matthew Cindric
15. DL LaCale London
16. WR David Sills
17. TE Nikola Kalinic
18. OL Kilian Zierer

According to a report by Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Falcons met with Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. at the 2025 Shrine Bowl. Paul is the 65th-ranked player on Pro Football Focus’ 2025 big board. Click HERE to read more about the Falcons’ latest pre-draft meeting.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Falcons met with Chris Paul Jr. at Shrine Bowl, per report​

Falcons Offseason: List of offensive free agents in 2025​

Falcons Offseason: List of defensive free agents in 2025​

Falcons address No. 1 need in ESPN's new 2025 NFL mock draft​

Kirk Cousins reveals more injury details from 2024 season​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/12/falcons-kilian-zierer-nfl-roster-news/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Atlanta Falcons make changes to offensive coaching staff

The Atlanta Falcons made a few changes to their offensive coaching staff on Thursday, elevating quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates to passing game coordinator and promoting assistant QB coach D.J. Williams to Yates’ former position.

The decision to promote Yates and Williams is warranted after their work with Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. last season. The former first-round pick played extremely well in his first three NFL starts and appears to be the team’s long-term answer at quarterback.

The #Falcons have promoted QB coach TJ Yates to pass game coordinator, per the team. DJ Williams, the former offensive assistant and assistant QB coach, is now the QB coach.

Yates played quarterback for seven years in the NFL and won a playoff game with Houston. Williams was the…

— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 13, 2025

Penix passed for 775 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a rushing touchdown last season. More than anything, he passed the eye test with flying colors.

The rookie got the ball out quickly, didn’t take many sacks and flashed the impressive arm talent that the team fell in love with during the 2024 offseason.

Atlanta’s offense was explosive under first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. If not for the team’s defensive collapse down the stretch, the Falcons likely would have made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The team finished top 10 in both passing yards (fifth) and rushing yards (10th) last season. The Falcons averaged 22.9 points per game, which ranked 13th in the NFL.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Former Falcons director of football operations hired by Florida Gators​

Falcons sign 18th player to reserve/future contract​

Falcons met with Chris Paul Jr. at Shrine Bowl, per report​

Falcons Offseason: List of offensive free agents in 2025​

Falcons Offseason: List of defensive free agents in 2025​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/falcons-tj-yates-michael-penix-coaching-news/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

5 possible first-round targets for the Falcons in 2025 NFL draft

The 2025 NFL draft is still a few months away but the cash-strapped Atlanta Falcons must make the most of their picks if they’re going to snap a seven-year playoff drought next season. While the team has few weaknesses offensively, the defense needs the most work.

It’s been five years since the Falcons last drafted a defensive player in the first round but that’s likely to change in 2025. With needs at cornerback, linebacker, safety and possibly defensive tackle, most of the top defensive prospects should be on the table for general manager Terry Fontenot.

Below, we’ve presented five potential Falcons draft targets, examining why they fit in Atlanta and what ESPN’s Mel Kiper said about each on his latest 2025 big board:

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/falcons-2025-nfl-draft-targets/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons position coach declines interview for Saints OC vacancy

The Atlanta Falcons failed to clinch an NFC South title last season, but at least they finished ahead of the New Orleans Saints in the standings. The Falcons appear to have gotten another win over their rivals on Valentine’s Day.

According to a report from CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, tight ends coach Kevin Koger has declined a request to interview for the Saints’ offensive coordinator vacancy. However, Koger did recently interview with the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns for their offensive coordinator vacancies.

Falcons TEs coach Kevin Koger declined a request from the Saints to interview for their vacant OC position, source tells @NFLonCBS. Koger interviewed for the Cowboys and Browns OC positions, and he passes on the division rival.

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 14, 2025

Koger joined Raheem Morris’ staff in 2024 after spending three seasons as the tight ends coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Kellen Moore officially taking over as head coach, New Orleans is looking to fill out the rest of its staff. Moore, a former NFL QB, is fresh off calling a Super Bowl win as the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s unclear why Koger declined the interview but the Saints are expected to retain Derek Carr as their starting quarterback.

More Latest Falcons News!​

5 possible first-round targets for the Falcons in 2025 NFL draft​

Atlanta Falcons make changes to offensive coaching staff​

Former Falcons director of football operations hired by Florida Gators​

Falcons sign 18th player to reserve/future contract​

Falcons met with Chris Paul Jr. at Shrine Bowl, per report​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/14/falcons-saints-nfl-kevin-koger/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons retool defense in PFN's new 7-round mock draft

For the first time in Terry Fontenot’s tenure as general manager, the Atlanta Falcons will enter the offseason with stability at the quarterback position. Michael Penix Jr. showed a ton of promise late in the season and the offense has all the ingredients to be one of the NFL’s top units in 2025.

Unfortunately, the Falcons defense is still a work in progress. The team has a cap deficit of over $10 million. Unless Atlanta makes drastic changes in the coming weeks, the draft will be the team’s only realistic option for adding defensive talent.

The Falcons hold the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and at this point, it would come as a shock if they were to take another offensive player in Round 1. Most draft analysts project the team to select an edge rusher or defensive back — easily Atlanta’s two biggest needs — at pick No. 15.

Pro Football Network released a new seven-round mock draft which has the Falcons focusing exclusively on defense. In the first round, the team lands East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.:

Shavon Revel Jr. offers a huge upside opposite A.J. Terrell as a starting cornerback and could have been a top-10 pick if he stayed healthy throughout 2024. Revel has impressive athleticism, physicality, and length for the position, but the medicals will be key to whether he is viewed as a first-round pick. Selecting Revel will be a gamble for whoever takes him, but the upside is too much to pass up until we find out more about whether there is a long-term issue for him to overcome. — Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network

Revel has the size to play on the outside and effectively press opposing wideouts at the line of scrimmage. He recorded two interceptions in the three games he appeared in last season. The lengthy defensive back could help replace Mike Hughes if the team fails to re-sign him in free agency.

The Falcons land their edge rusher in the second round of PFN’s mock draft, taking Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer:

There are question marks over whether Sawyer is a difference-maker as a pass rusher, but he is a complete player with a lot of experience. He had nine sacks in 16 games in 2024 and 23 sacks in 54 games over his career at Ohio State. Atlanta may still look to add some “pass rush first” outside rushers to generate pressure without sending extra defenders, but this is a solid base for them to build their pass rush around. — PFN

As for the rest of Atlanta’s projected draft picks, the team adds Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins in Round 4, Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler in Round 6 and Ohio State defensive lineman Ty Hamilton in Round 7.

Click HERE to read Pro Football Network’s full seven-round mock draft.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Falcons position coach declines interview for Saints OC vacancy​

5 possible first-round targets for the Falcons in 2025 NFL draft​

Atlanta Falcons make changes to offensive coaching staff​

Former Falcons director of football operations hired by Florida Gators​

Falcons sign 18th player to reserve/future contract​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/falcons-2025-nfl-draft-shavon-revel/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

NFL expert projects breakout season for Falcons QB in 2025

The 2024 NFL draft was top-heavy at the quarterback position with six selected in the first 12 picks. Every rookie season is different, but it’s fair to say that this year’s QB class got off to a promising start.

Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. had to wait until Week 16 to make his first NFL start. The former Washington standout did not disappoint and despite the team going 1-2 over the final three games, Penix’s future looks as bright as any quarterback in the class.

If the Falcons add some defensive talent in the draft and free agency, they could be a force in the NFC next season. Penix should benefit from going into training camp as the team’s clear-cut starter following an ongoing QB controversy with Kirk Cousins in 2024.

ESPN released a new feature with predictions for the 2025 season. 13 NFL experts were asked to make their picks for the Super Bowl, MVP and the player most likely to break out. Jeremy Fowler named Penix as his breakout player for 2025:

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons. Everything is set up for him — a viable supporting cast, a strong running game and a winnable NFC South. Atlanta will showcase his immense talents in Year 2. — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Penix finished his season with 775 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and one rushing touchdown. After leading the team to a win against the New York Giants in his debut, Penix led clutch drives to get the Falcons to overtime in Weeks 17 and 18 but the defense let the team down.

Other players projected to break out by ESPN include Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Penix’s college teammate, Rome Odunze.

More Latest Falcons News!​

Falcons retool defense in PFN's new 7-round mock draft​

Falcons position coach declines interview for Saints OC vacancy​

5 possible first-round targets for the Falcons in 2025 NFL draft​

Atlanta Falcons make changes to offensive coaching staff​

Former Falcons director of football operations hired by Florida Gators​

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/14/falcons-michael-penix-breakout-espn/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Full list of Atlanta Falcons free agents in 2025

The Atlanta Falcons are currently more than $10 million over the salary cap and have 30 players set to enter free agency when the 2025 league year begins in March. The team must decide whether or not to re-sign linebacker Matthew Judon, center Drew Dalman, safety Justin Simmons and many others.

The Falcons are somewhat hamstrung by the four-year, $180 million contract they gave Kirk Cousins last offseason but there are other ways to create cap space with cuts and contract restructures.

Offensively, the team is mostly intact but several defensive starters could have new homes next season. Here’s a look at 30 Falcons players who will be free agents in 2025:

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/falcons-free-agency-matthew-judon-justin-simmons/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

PFF lays out 'dream scenario' for Atlanta Falcons' offseason

In the NFL, what you do in the draft and free agency can make or break your season. The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 largely due to the offseason additions of Saquon Barkley and rookie Cooper DeJean.

The Atlanta Falcons hope to make a similar jump in 2025 but have little margin for error as the offseason approaches. With 30 impending free agents and just four draft picks, general manager Terry Fontenot has a lot to do and very few resources.

First, the team must create cap space before it can sign any notable free agents. Then, the Falcons need to hit on their first-round pick. Many expect the team to focus on defense in this year’s draft, which hasn’t been Fontenot’s strong suit over his four years in Atlanta.

Pro Football Focus dropped a new feature breaking down each team’s “dream scenario” for the 2025 NFL offseason. For the Falcons, PFF recommended signing free-agent edge rusher Baron Browning:

Without much spending power, Atlanta could look toward cheaper options with high upside, like Baron Browning, to boost a pass-rush unit that ranked 30th in both win rate (34.5%) and PFF grade (59.0). Browning, who moved to the edge full time in 2022, flourished in Arizona, earning a career-high 77.2 PFF pass-rush grade. — Mason Cameron, PFF

Browning makes sense as a low-cost free agent who can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While he isn’t quite as impactful as other free-agent suggestions, such as Eagles EDGE Josh Sweat, Browning is the kind of under-the-radar signing that could help this defense without breaking the bank.

PFF also highlighted the ideal first-round target for the Falcons in the 2025 NFL draft. At pick No. 15, PFF named Georgia safety Malaki Starks as the team’s “perfect” prospect:

Adding to the secondary would also be a shrewd move, and should the class’ top safety, Malaki Starks, fall to the Falcons at No. 15, they should jump at the chance to select him. Pairing Starks with Jessie Bates III would create a scary tandem on the back end of this coverage unit and provide the Falcons a plan for the future at safety. — Mason Cameron, PFF

The Falcons could lose both Justin Simmons and Richie Grant in free agency, which would create a big hole in the secondary. Starks, as we highlighted in our Falcons draft target feature, would be a good fit next to Bates at safety.

Another option could be third-year safety DeMarcco Hellams. The former seventh-round pick out of Alabama had a promising rookie season but missed all of 2024 due to injury. Either way, the Falcons must find some new blood this offseason if they’re going to contend in the NFC.

More Latest Falcons News!​

What are the Atlanta Falcons' odds of winning Super Bowl LX?​

VOTE: Which Falcons free agent must be re-signed in 2025?​

Falcons named potential landing spot for Pro Bowl pass rusher​

Full list of Atlanta Falcons free agents in 2025​

Falcons retool defense in PFN's new 7-round mock draft​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/falcons-2025-nfl-draft-pff/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

NFL analyst names two Atlanta Falcons cut candidates

The NFL offseason is all fun and games when there’s salary cap space available. However, tough decisions need to be made when money gets tight.

Teams routinely cut star players while they’re still productive due to financial reasons. More often than not, the quarterback position takes up a disproportionate amount of the cap.

The Atlanta Falcons have a bad case of overpaid quarterback syndrome that could hinder the team during the offseason. Kirk Cousins has a cap hit of $40 million this season.

Unless the Falcons can pull off a post-June 1 trade to a QB-needy team, they will likely eat most of that money without Cousins playing a single snap. Atlanta has a cap deficit of over $11 million, which may force the team to say goodbye to some veteran players.

NFL.com released a feature highlighting 21 NFC cut candidates. Defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata were among those mentioned:

At this moment, it looks as if the Falcons will be in bad cap shape, projected to sit $11.1 million in the red, and they’ll need to make quite a few moves to bring that figure back in line. One possibility: releasing one of these two starting defensive linemen. The two had relatively similar production in 2024, though Grady Jarrett held the edge over David Onyemata in most categories. Then again, Jarrett’s release would buy more than $16 million in cap savings, while releasing Onyemata would net just $8.1 million in savings — and saddle Atlanta with $8.9 million in dead money. Whether to cut Jarrett or Onyemata will come down to a question of value and expectation for the Falcons, but at least one is likely to be gone this spring. — Matt Okada, NFL.com

As Okada pointed out, cutting Jarrett would free up over $16 million — completely wiping out the team’s cap deficit. However, Jarrett has been a defensive cornerstone in Atlanta for the last decade. The former fourth-round pick out of Clemson was the only consistent defender for several seasons.

Onyemata signed with the Falcons as a free agent in 2023. The veteran defensive lineman had a great first year under Ryan Nielsen but was slightly less effective this season.

It would be hard to imagine the team cutting both defensive linemen without clear replacements. Rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus played sparingly last season.

More Latest Falcons News!​

NFL.com grades Atlanta Falcons' 2024 draft class​

PFF lays out 'dream scenario' for Atlanta Falcons' offseason​

What are the Atlanta Falcons' odds of winning Super Bowl LX?​

VOTE: Which Falcons free agent must be re-signed in 2025?​

Falcons named potential landing spot for Pro Bowl pass rusher​

Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/falcons-grady-jarrett-nfl-cap-casualty/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons named 'best team fit' for Jets linebacker in free agency

It’s going to take more than a few draft picks for the Atlanta Falcons to fix their defense this offseason. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has his hands full taking over a unit that ranked 23rd in both points and yards allowed in 2024.

Since the Falcons are short on salary cap space (-$11 million), general manager Terry Fontenot will have to find a way to create extra space. That hasn’t been a problem for Fontenot in the past, but it’s tough to imagine the team landing another big-name free agent in 2025.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed the best team fits for the top 50 NFL free agents. Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood was named the Falcons’ best fit in free agency, with Bowen citing his prior relationship with Ulbrich in New York:

Sherwood could follow new Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich from New York to Atlanta. A three-down linebacker who is trending up at this stage of his career, Sherwood posted 154 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three pass breakups with the Jets last season. He can play downhill with speed, cutting off the ball and pursuing the edges. The Falcons need playmakers on defense. — Matt Bowen, ESPN

While Sherwood would be a nice addition to Atlanta’s defense, the team has decent depth at inside linebacker. Kaden Elliss is coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season and the team still has second-round pick Troy Andersen, who played well before his injury.

Nate Landman is a restricted free agent, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in Atlanta. Plus, the team selected JD Bertrand in the fifth round of last year’s draft. Bertrand was one of the few rookies to receive consistent playing time last season.

With Lorenzo Carter and Matthew Judon potentially on the way out, the Falcons could use some help at outside linebacker. Sherwood could potentially help but it will likely come down to his asking price.

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/falcons-jets-jamien-sherwood-nfl-free-agency/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

One Falcons player ranked among ESPN's top 50 NFL free agents

The Atlanta Falcons have 30 players who are set to become free agents when the new league year begins in March but only a handful are considered household names.

Linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons are arguably the most well-known of the team’s impending free agents. And while it’s certainly possible that both players return in 2025, it doesn’t seem likely given the state of Atlanta’s salary cap.

The Falcons may need to save their money for another key free agent. Center Drew Dalman has developed into a solid starter for this team and considering his age, he could be Atlanta’s top priority in free agency.

In ESPN’s latest feature breaking down the best team fits for the top 50 NFL free agents, Dalman was the only Falcons player ranked, coming in at No. 26. ESPN felt the Chicago Bears would be the best fit for Dalman:

I matched Trey Smith to the Bears, but this team can’t stop there this spring. Let’s also put Dalman — the top center in free agency — next to Smith. Dalman wins his assignments with movement and leverage to offset a smaller frame (6-3, 300 pounds). He’s a technician on the tape, best suited for the zone run game, and his pass block win rate of 95.1% ranked ninth among centers with at least 500 snaps (he missed time due to an ankle injury, though). — Matt Bowen, ESPN

It makes sense for Chicago to add a solid all-around center to help stabilize things around Caleb Williams. According to Over The Cap’s projections, the Bears have $62 million in cap space. That’s more than enough money to steal Dalman away with a contract Atlanta probably wouldn’t be able to match.

If the team loses Dalman in free agency, which is certainly a possibility, the focus should shift to re-signing reserve Ryan Neuzil. The veteran backup filled in admirably for Dalman last season and has spent several years developing around one of the NFL’s top offensive lines.

ESPN’s feature also named the Falcons as the best fit for New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood in free agency.

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/falcons-free-agents-drew-dalman-espn/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Poll Results: Fans identify Falcons' most important free agent

After landing big-name free agents in 2023 and 2024, the Atlanta Falcons may have to reduce their offseason spending in 2025. General manager Terry Fontenot must free up over $10 million before he can re-sign any of the team’s 30 impending free agents.

Linebacker Mattthew Judon, center Drew Dalman and safety Justin Simmons are among the team’s top free agents. So which players should the Falcons bring back?

We asked our readers to pick one free agent for the team to re-sign. The polls are closed and the results are in. Drew Dalman is your winner, earning over 55 percent of the vote (see below):

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/falcons-2025-nfl-free-agency-drew-dalman/

 

[Atlanta Falcons]

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson earned higher grade than Saquon Barkley in 2024

The 2024 NFL season was the year of the running back and nobody played better than Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. His 2,000-yard campaign helped the Eagles capture the Super Bowl, but Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson outperformed Barkley in one area.

Pro Football Focus released its final running back grades from the 2024 season. Robinson not only received a higher season grade than Barkley but the former Texas star finished second in the NFL among running backs with a 92.8 PFF grade.

Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry earned the NFL’s highest grade (94.2). However, Robinson led the league with a rushing grade of 92.2:

In just his second season as a professional, Robinson has already etched his name in PFF history. The Falcons back generated a phenomenal 92.8 PFF rushing grade, eclipsing Adrian Peterson’s 2012 campaign and landing Robinson in the top-three highest graded rushing seasons in the PFF era. Robinson was particularly adept in zone concepts, where he produced a 92.2 rushing grade – the highest ever recorded by PFF. — Mason Cameron, PFF

Despite Barkley’s impressive season, he somehow landed way down at No. 11 with a PFF grade of 85.2. Perhaps the usage rate lowered his overall efficiency, but it’s hard to argue with the best season we’ve seen from a running back in years.

However you slice it, Robinson put together a tremendous sophomore campaign. He rushed for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, often keeping the Falcons offense going during Kirk Cousins’ midseason slump.

With Michael Penix Jr. solidifying the future of the quarterback position, Robinson could be even more effective in 2025. That’s scary to think about.

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One Falcons player ranked among ESPN's top 50 NFL free agents​

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Source: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/falcons-bijan-robinson-saquon-barkley-derrrick-henry/