With a new era officially underway in Atlanta - led by president Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham, and head coach Kevin Stefanski - the Falcons are facing a critical offseason. They’re working without a first-round pick, with limited cap space, and a long list of decisions to make on 19 unrestricted free agents. It’s a tightrope walk between building for the future and keeping the current core intact.
The reality? The Falcons can’t bring everyone back.
But if they want to stay competitive in 2026, there are a few names they simply can’t afford to lose. Let’s break down the five free agents Atlanta should prioritize - not just for continuity, but because they’re essential to the identity this new regime is trying to build.
5. Zane Gonzalez - Kicker
No, re-signing a kicker won’t lead any highlight shows. But if you watched the Falcons’ 2025 season, you know how valuable stability at that position became. Atlanta cycled through kickers early before Gonzalez brought calm to the chaos.
He nailed 19 of 22 field goals and missed just one extra point (17 of 18). He even earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors to close out the year. In a league where games are often decided by a field goal or less, having a reliable leg matters - especially when you’re working with a tight budget.
This is a low-cost, high-value move. Locking in Gonzalez won’t win the offseason, but it could help win a few games.
4. Tyler Allgeier - Running Back
If the Falcons want to be a run-first team - and with Stefanski’s background, that seems likely - keeping Tyler Allgeier is a no-brainer. He’s the perfect complement to Bijan Robinson, offering a physical, between-the-tackles style that allows Robinson to stay fresh and explosive.
Allgeier already has a 1,000-yard season under his belt and continues to be a trusted, downhill runner who doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable - the kind of player who helps you wear down defenses in the fourth quarter.
In a league obsessed with speed and finesse, Allgeier brings balance. And in a two-back system, he’s the kind of piece that keeps everything clicking.
3. Arnold Ebiketie - Edge Rusher
Edge rushers don’t come cheap - and they don’t often hit the market at the right time. But Arnold Ebiketie is doing just that, and Atlanta would be wise to keep him in-house.
He’s entering his prime, and with a projected market value around $9 million, he’s exactly the kind of player the Falcons should be investing in: young, ascending, and productive. With the recent arrest of James Pearce Jr., the need for stability off the edge just became even more pressing.
Atlanta doesn’t have the cap room to go hunting for a big-name pass rusher. But they don’t need to if they keep Ebiketie. He’s already in the building - and he’s ready to take the next step.
2. Kaden Elliss - Linebacker
If you’re looking for production, Kaden Elliss delivered in 2025. He racked up over 100 tackles, notched 30 pressures (second among all linebackers), and added 3.5 sacks and a pick to his stat line.
But this isn’t just about numbers. Elliss was one of only two players in the entire league to hit the 100+ tackles, 10+ tackles for loss, 3.5+ sacks, and 1+ interception marks. That’s rare versatility - the kind of all-around impact that doesn’t show up in just one column of the stat sheet.
He’s a tone-setter in the middle of the defense, and the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. If the Falcons are serious about building a defense that can hold up in the NFC South, extending Elliss should be near the top of the to-do list.
1. Kyle Pitts - Tight End
Here’s the big one. The Falcons’ most important decision of the offseason might come before free agency even begins: whether or not to use the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts.
The projected tag sits just north of $16 million - and it might be worth every penny.
Pitts finally broke out in 2025, hauling in 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns. When injuries decimated the receiver room, he became the go-to option - and more often than not, delivered.
He’s still not the picture of week-to-week consistency, but let’s be honest: players with his size-speed combo don’t grow on trees. And they certainly don’t show up on the open market.
With no first-round pick and limited draft capital, Atlanta can’t count on finding another Pitts-level talent in April. If they want to keep a dynamic weapon in the passing game - and give their next quarterback a true mismatch nightmare - this is the move.
The Bottom Line
The Falcons don’t need to win the offseason with splashy signings. They need to win it by making smart, internal decisions - and that starts with keeping the right guys in the building.
From special teams stability to pass rush youth, from backfield balance to defensive leadership, and a tight end who can tilt the field - these five players form the backbone of a roster that still has plenty of potential.
The new regime has its work cut out. But if they get these calls right, the foundation in Atlanta might be stronger than it looks.