The Falcons have a lot to do, but finding a quarterback isn’t one of them for the first time in years. They will, however, have to make a decision on the future of Kirk Cousins, and that’s only the beginning of a very long offseason to-do list for the Falcons.
The defense needs a lot of TLC. The Falcons have already hired Jimmy Lake’s successor, an old friend in Jeff Ulbrich, but that’s not even half the battle. Most of the improvement is going to have to come from the Jimmys and Joes. The Falcons have to improve the talent on defense.
They have several impending free agents, including three of PFF’s top 100, that will need attention.
22. C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
“There aren’t many long-term answers in free agency at center, which will make Dalman the primary beneficiary if he reaches the open market. Any team that deploys an outside-zone rushing scheme will be all over the former fourth-round pick. Dalman has room to grow as a pass protector but is one of the best run-blocking centers in the NFL and will advance the continued growth of the interior offensive line market after Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey finally reset the center market.”
While Dalman may “advance the continued growth of the interior offensive line market,” he should not reset the center market. However, he’s the top priority for the Falcons. Continuity along the offensive line is an underrated aspect of successful units, and Atlanta has a chance to return all five starters for a third consecutive season.
The market is scarce with upgrades, so Dalman is the Falcons’ best choice at center. Unfortunately, that means every team with a need for one will pursue Drew Dalman. That will drive his price up, which I projected to be in the range of $40-48 million over three or four years.Â
69. S Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons
“One of the top ball-hawks of the past decade, Simmons continued his streak of multiple interceptions in every season of his nine-year NFL career after signing with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. The free-agent market for older safeties can be unkind, but Simmons is still one of the more instinctual and sound defenders on the backend entering Year 10.”
I would be happy to bring Simmons back at the right price. Among the Falcons’ two big defensive acquisitions, Simmons was far and away better than Matthew Judon. The Falcons need to add a safety next to Jessie Bates, and while I could support getting younger at the position, Simmons might be the best option on the market.
71. EDGE Matthew Judon, Atlanta Falcons
“Judon was traded to the Falcons after a contract feud with the New England Patriots, and the new Patriots front office certainly looks sharp for acquiring a 2025 third-round pick for a player on the decline. Outside of his injury-shortened 2023 season that played a role in the trade, Judon set career lows almost across the board in 2024 compared to all prior healthy seasons besides his rookie campaign in 2016.”
To put it simply, the Matthew Judon trade was an abject failure. Just a couple of years ago, he finished the 2022 campaign with 15.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 28 quarterback hits. With the Falcons, the veteran only mustered 5.5 sacks, which really doesn’t tell the entire story.
He had a stretch in which he recorded four sacks over six games, some coming of the cleanup variety. Looking beneath the surface, you’ll see that Judon’s production was disappointing. His nine QB hits were the lowest number over a full season, and his seven tackles for loss were the fewest he’s had in a full season since he was a rookie.
As far as his free agency goes, Judon is coming off the worst year of his career, and the Falcons would be fools to bring him back unless, of course, the price is right. I’m still not sure what kind of market he will have anyway.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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