The Atlanta Falcons have some big decisions looming this offseason, with two of their most reliable veterans-Tyler Allgeier and Kaden Elliss-set to hit free agency. And if you're wondering how highly they're regarded around the league, Pro Football Focus has already given us a glimpse: both players landed on PFF’s list of the top 70 pending free agents for 2026.
Let’s start with Allgeier, who didn’t just make the list-he turned heads. The 25-year-old running back came in ranked third overall, boasting a career grade of 90.5.
That puts him behind only Kenneth Walker III and Khalil Mack, and makes him the second-highest-rated running back available in this year’s free agent class. Not bad for a guy who’s been operating in the shadows of Bijan Robinson the past few seasons.
Here’s the thing: Allgeier may not be a household name, but he’s been one of the most dependable backs in the league since entering the NFL. In four seasons with the Falcons, he’s carried the ball 676 times, caught 61 passes, scored 20 total touchdowns-and never fumbled.
Not once. That kind of ball security is rare in today’s game, especially for a player who’s seen that much action.
After a 1,000-yard rookie season, Allgeier saw his role reduced when the Falcons invested a top pick in Robinson in the 2023 draft. But even with limited touches, he’s been available and productive, suiting up for 67 of a possible 68 games. That’s elite durability at one of the league’s most physically punishing positions.
Now, with free agency on the horizon, Allgeier could look for a starting role elsewhere-and he’ll have suitors. But Atlanta would be wise to make a serious push to keep him in house.
You don’t often find a back with that combination of reliability, production, and professionalism. Letting him walk without a fight would be a major misstep for a team looking to build consistency on offense.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Kaden Elliss also cracked the top 70, coming in at No. 44.
He earned a 77.3 grade from PFF and quietly put together one of the best seasons of his career. At 30 years old, Elliss isn’t a long-term building block, but he’s proven he can still bring it.
This past season, Elliss set a personal best with six passes defended, added 3.5 sacks, and snagged an interception. He’s not just filling space-he’s making plays.
Over the last four years, he’s racked up 19 sacks and earned pass-rush grades north of 80 in both 2024 and 2025. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Elliss signed a three-year, $21 million deal back in 2023, and he’ll likely command a bit more this time around. But if the Falcons can work out a short-term, team-friendly extension, it’s a move that makes all the sense in the world.
He’s been a steadying force in the middle of the defense and thrived under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. With another year in the system, there’s no reason to think Elliss can’t continue to lead this unit.
Looking ahead, the Falcons’ offseason priorities are starting to take shape. If Allgeier and Elliss depart, the team will need to restock both the running back room and the linebacking corps-either through the draft or free agency. But ideally, Atlanta won’t have to replace them at all.
These are the kinds of players you want to keep around: dependable, productive, and respected in the locker room. Re-signing them won’t just fill out the depth chart-it’ll help maintain the identity the Falcons have been building. The clock’s ticking, and the front office has some work to do.