The Atlanta Falcons have several critical decisions to make on a slew of free agents. Most of the core is locked up past this year, but they do need to find some money for some key pieces, and that won’t be easy to do with Kirk Cousins’ bloated contract taking up so much cap space.

Falcons Offensive Free Agents

• Drew Dalman
• KhaDarel Hodge
• Strom Norton
• Ryan Neuzil
• Rondale Moore
• Elijah Wilkinson
• Kyle Hinton
• Ross Dwelley

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The biggest name here is Drew Dalman. He’s not an All-Pro center by any means, but he’s well above average, and the continuity the Falcons have enjoyed across the offensive line over the last several years cannot be understated. Dalman needs to be a priority this offseason.

KhaDarel Hodge is also an important piece of the Falcons special teams that needs to be brought back, and he even got more run as a receiver towards the end of the season. The rest are depth pieces that could be replaced, but could also return on cheap contracts.

Falcons Defensive Free Agents

• Justin Simmons
• Matthew Judon
• Mike Hughes
• Nate Landman
• Lorenzo Carter
• Richie Grant
• Dee Alford
• Kentavius Street
• James-Smith Williams
• Ta’Quon Graham
• Micah Abernathy
• Kevin King
• Eddie Goldman
• Demone Harris

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Most of the Falcons’ difficult decisions lie on the defensive side of the ball. A ton of these guys played significant roles for the team this season; however, not a lot of them played well.

Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon underwhelmed considerably after being acquired this offseason. Perhaps they sign one-year deals to stay, but the Falcons might be better off looking for long-term options.

Mike Hughes really over-performed expectations across from A.J. Terrell this season, and given he shouldn’t cost a ton to retain, keeping him around as veteran depth should be a priority.

Nate Landman took a massive step back after a breakout season a year ago and is a fringe roster guy at best on a good defense. Lorenzo Carter offered nothing to the defense, Richie Grant was a wasted second-round draft pick, and Dee Alford was BBQ chicken all season. I could see Landman sticking around as a depth piece, but the Falcons shouldn’t be looking to bring the others back for another season.

Given Atlanta is thin in the secondary and across the defensive front, guys like Eddie Goldman, Ta’Quon Graham, Kevin King, and several others could return, but none of them should be expected to play a significant role next season.

Falcons Special Teams Free Agents

• Riley Patterson
• Liam McCullough

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Riley Patterson probably should have never been signed in the first place to replace Younghoe Koo. The year is 2025; nobody should be in the NFL if they can’t at least reasonably attempt a 55-yard field goal. The Falcons have to figure out if Younghoe Koo is their guy moving forward, but even if they do bring in competition, Riley Patterson shouldn’t even be in consideration.

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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire