The Falcons are closing in on a new general manager hire, expected to be finalized by the end of the week. That move will complete a new-look leadership trio alongside head coach Kevin Stefanski and newly minted quarterbacks coach Matt Ryan.
The mission? Snap a playoff drought that’s lingered since that unforgettable 2016 Super Bowl run.
And here’s the thing - the talent is already in the building.
Bijan Robinson is the kind of offensive weapon who can tilt the field every time he touches the ball. He’s not just explosive; he’s in the conversation as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, period.
Drake London has blossomed into a true WR1, a physical presence who can win at all three levels. The offensive line, a group that’s quietly been one of the more consistent units in the league over the past five years, continues to anchor the offense.
And don’t overlook the defense. Atlanta just finished second in the NFL in sacks - a huge leap forward for a unit that had struggled to generate pressure in recent seasons.
Even more impressive? That production came largely from players still on their rookie deals.
That’s a foundation any front office would love to build on.
With the NFC South still wide open, this is a roster that can absolutely contend as-is. But if the Falcons want to move from “playoff hopeful” to legitimate NFC threat, there are some big questions this new regime needs to answer - and fast.
What’s next for Kyle Pitts?
Let’s start with the most intriguing name on offense: Kyle Pitts. The former No. 4 overall pick - the highest-drafted tight end in league history - is headed toward unrestricted free agency. And while he hasn’t quite lived up to his lofty draft billing, that doesn’t mean he’s been a bust.
Pitts is still just 25 and coming off the second-best season of his young career. He remains a top-10 tight end in terms of talent and potential, and with so few proven pass catchers on the roster, retaining him would make a lot of sense.
But the market for a player with his skill set is going to be competitive. If Atlanta wants to keep him, they’ll need to move decisively.
Is Michael Penix Jr. the long-term answer?
Michael Penix Jr. said earlier this week that he expects to be ready for Week 1, and that’s a big deal. But here’s where things get interesting: the current front office and coaching staff didn’t draft him. That means they’re not necessarily tied to him as the future of the franchise.
If Penix shows enough promise in offseason workouts and training camp, the Falcons may roll with him and reassess in 2027. But don’t be shocked if they add competition at quarterback - whether through free agency or the draft. This regime is going to want to evaluate all their options, especially at the most important position on the field.
Offensive line: Solid, but not settled
Atlanta’s offensive line had another strong season, but that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Ryan Neuzil held his own in his first year as a starter, but the Falcons could look to upgrade there to give the offense a little more push inside.
Then there’s Jake Matthews. The longtime left tackle has been a cornerstone of the line for over a decade, but he’ll be 34 next season. It’s not an urgent issue yet, but the team has to start thinking about his successor.
Right tackle, though, is more pressing - especially with a left-handed quarterback like Penix under center. Kaleb McGary is under contract, but he missed all of last season due to injury. The Falcons need more stability on the edge, and that could be a key focus this offseason.
Fixing the run defense
The pass rush made headlines - and rightfully so - but the run defense? That’s where things fell short. Atlanta gave up 126.2 rushing yards per game in 2025, and that’s a number that simply won’t cut it for a playoff contender.
The Falcons need to find some interior linemen who can clog gaps and control the line of scrimmage. Whether that comes through the draft or free agency, expect Atlanta to prioritize beefing up the middle of the defensive front.
More weapons, please
Drake London is a stud. But beyond him, the Falcons’ wide receiver room is paper-thin - especially with Darnell Mooney likely on the way out after a disappointing 2025.
Atlanta needs a legit No. 2 option to take pressure off London, plus a handful of complementary pieces who can stretch the field, work the slot, and keep defenses honest. This is a pass-catching group that needs both depth and diversity in skill sets.
Which free agents are worth keeping?
Kyle Pitts isn’t the only name the Falcons have to make a decision on.
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has been the heartbeat of this defense since he arrived three years ago. He’s racked up over 100 tackles each season, added 12.5 sacks, and made plays in coverage. He’s the kind of player you want leading your locker room - and he should be a top priority to re-sign.
Cornerback Dee Alford is another name to watch. He bounced back in a big way under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and could be a valuable piece in the secondary moving forward.
And don’t forget about special teams. Zane Gonzalez brought much-needed stability to the kicker position, hitting 19 of his final 22 field goal attempts down the stretch. That kind of consistency is hard to find - and even harder to let walk.
The Falcons have the foundation. Now it’s about making the right moves to elevate this team from promising to playoff-bound. With a new GM on the way, a revamped coaching staff in place, and a roster full of young talent, Atlanta is entering a pivotal offseason - one that could shape the next five years of Falcons football.