With the brand new league 12 months kicking off March 12, NFL groups are already deep into planning for the offseason.
Listed below are 5 strikes the Atlanta Falcons ought to make within the coming months.
1. Commerce QB Kirk Cousins
It will seemingly require consuming a few of his 2025 wage to make it work, however Atlanta should transfer on from Cousins after his disastrous 2024.
The 13-year veteran was benched in Week 16 after he threw for one landing and 9 interceptions over a five-game span. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over and confirmed sufficient for the Falcons to really feel comfy handing him the keys to the first-team offense, making Cousins expendable.
Earlier this offseason, reports surfaced that Cousins suffered injuries to his throwing shoulder and elbow in Week 10 in opposition to the Saints, marking the start of his downfall. When wholesome, Cousins might nonetheless be an efficient passer. And with a weak free-agent quarterback class, Cousins might need extra worth on the commerce market.
2. Go all-in to accumulate defensive finish Myles Garrett
The Browns will not simply acquiesce to Garrett’s commerce demand, however the Falcons might make Cleveland extra comfy signing off on a cope with a sexy provide.
Atlanta would resolve its yearslong quest to discover a pass-rusher by including Garrett. In line with Stathead, the crew has a league-low 112 sacks since 2021. In 2024, the Falcons ranked 31st in sacks (31) and twenty fifth in stress fee (20 p.c).
With Penix Jr. in line to begin, Atlanta should reap the benefits of having a quarterback on a cost-controlled rookie contract whereas it may possibly. With Garrett, the Falcons would vault to NFC South favorites with the potential to make noise within the playoffs.
3. Choose up WR Drake London’s fifth-year choice
According to Over The Cap, London’s 2026 fifth-year choice is $17M, making Atlanta’s choice straightforward earlier than the Could 1 deadline.
In 2024, London had profession highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,271) and receiving touchdowns (9). He has 3,042 receiving yards since being drafted No. 8 general in 2022. He is Atlanta’s finest vast receiver since Julio Jones from 2011-2020.
London set the groundwork for an enormous 2025 by establishing a powerful rapport with Penix Jr., who began Atlanta’s last three video games. Throughout that span, London averaged 13 targets and had 22 receptions, 352 yards (16 yards per reception) and two touchdowns.
4. Re-sign middle Drew Dalman
Dalman, a fourth-round decide in 2021 (No. 115 general), performed on the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract in 2024. Final season, he efficiently returned from a Week 3 ankle harm to have a productive finish to the season. Per Pro Football Focus, from Weeks 13-18 (six video games), Dalman — one of many league’s higher facilities — allowed one sack and 5 complete pressures in 206 pass-block conditions.
With the franchise tag for offensive linemen at $25.8M, Atlanta’s solely lifelike path towards protecting Dalman is agreeing to a long-term contract. Final offseason, the Titans signed middle Lloyd Cushenberry to a four-year, $50M contract. Dalman would seemingly command extra — suppose within the vary of Saints middle Erik McCoy (5 years, $60M) and Chiefs middle Creed Humphrey (4 years, $72 million), the league’s two highest-paid facilities when it comes to general contract worth.
5. Discover TE Kyle Pitts’ commerce market
The Falcons might need wasted the fourth general decide of the 2021 NFL Draft on the inconsistent tight finish, however they might recoup worth for his or her huge mistake by placing Pitts on the commerce block.
Atlanta chosen Pitts straight forward of Bengals vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who has blossomed into one of many league’s most excellent vast receivers.
In the meantime, Pitts has floundered, averaging 541.7 yards per season since 2022 after having 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie. Per PFF, his 25 p.c contested catch fee in 2024 ranked final amongst 19 tight ends who acquired a minimum of 70 targets, whereas his 7.8 p.c drop fee was the third highest.
May one other crew be suckered into believing it might revive Pitts’ profession? If solely the Falcons have been so fortunate.
