The Falcons should have one overarching goal this offseason — improve the pass rush. Outside of finding Matt Ryan’s successor, it’s been the single biggest task every single offseason for this organization, and nothing has changed.
It’s going to take a lot of resources. Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or the trade market, the Falcons have to add to the pass rush. There is more than one way to skin a cat, and there’s more than one way to improve a pass rush.
Coverage and pressure. The Falcons can improve the pass rush by improving the secondary. They work together, but more than anything, we need some guys in the trenches that can get after the quarterback, which Aaron Schatz of ESPNÂ believes will come in the form of a free agent signing — Malcolm Koonce.
“The Falcons ranked 27th in pass rush win rate (34.1%) this past season and three of their top four edge rushers are free agents, so Atlanta’s biggest need is pretty obvious. There may be hesitation to go back to a veteran after Matthew Judon was a bit of a disappointment — 5.5 sacks and 17 pressures — this past season. So instead of Haason Reddick or Khalil Mack, let’s suggest Koonce, the Raiders’ 2021 third-round pick who turns 27 in June.
Koonce lost the entire 2024 season to a knee injury, but he had 8.0 sacks and 29 pressures in 2023. His 17.5% pass rush win rate ranked 22nd among qualifying edge rushers, just below teammate Maxx Crosby. Koonce could team with Arnold Ebiketie to give the Falcons a younger and stronger pass rush off the edge.”
Koonce might not be the sexy name like Haason Reddick or Khalil Mack in free agency, but the Falcons don’t exactly have the cache that a team might need to attract Reddick or Mack. It’s all about being efficient with your resources, and Koonce can be productive for the Falcons without breaking the bank. It would still only be one piece of an offseason filled with moves to improve that area.
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