The Falcons are still in the thick of their general manager search, and while that process plays out, the next GM will walk into a situation full of critical roster decisions - especially when it comes to some key 2026 free agents. This isn’t just about filling holes. It’s about shaping the identity of a team that’s been teetering on the edge of playoff contention and needs to take the next step.
Let’s break down the biggest names set to hit the open market - and what their futures could mean for Atlanta.
Kyle Pitts: The Headliner
No name looms larger on Atlanta’s free-agent list than Kyle Pitts. The former No. 4 overall pick has had an up-and-down ride through his first five seasons, but this past year was a reminder of the kind of talent he brings to the table. He hauled in 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns - the second-best season of his career - and showed flashes of the mismatch nightmare he was drafted to be.
Now, has he lived up to the sky-high expectations that came with his draft slot? Not entirely.
But he’s still just 25 years old and remains one of the top 10 tight ends in the league. That combination of age, production, and potential is going to draw serious interest around the NFL.
For a Falcons offense that’s light on proven pass-catchers, keeping Pitts in the fold feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
Tyler Allgeier: Productive, But Replaceable?
Tyler Allgeier has been a steady and reliable piece of Atlanta’s backfield, and there’s no question the team would love to keep him around. The challenge? Money and role.
With Bijan Robinson locked in as the clear-cut lead back, it’s tough to justify paying starter money to a backup - even one as efficient and hard-nosed as Allgeier. He’s likely to draw interest from teams willing to give him a bigger role and a bigger paycheck. That puts Atlanta in a tough spot: do you pay to keep a quality insurance policy, or trust your depth and invest elsewhere?
Defensive Priorities: Kaden Elliss and Dee Alford
On the defensive side of the ball, Kaden Elliss should be a top priority. He’s been the glue guy in the middle of the defense for three straight seasons - a tone-setter and communicator who rarely comes off the field. With so much uncertainty elsewhere on defense, Elliss brings a level of stability that’s hard to replace.
Then there’s Dee Alford, whose resurgence this season under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was one of the more underrated stories of the year. After struggling in 2024, Alford bounced back in a big way and looked like a legitimate contributor in the secondary. He’s earned a second look - and possibly a second contract - in Atlanta.
Edge Decisions: Leonard Floyd, James Pearce Jr., and the Youth Movement
Veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd is another name to watch. He brought leadership and production in spots, but with young talents like James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker waiting in the wings, the Falcons could opt to get younger and more explosive on the edge. That decision may hinge on how aggressive the front office wants to be in free agency or the draft when it comes to adding another pass-rushing threat.
As for Troy Andersen and Arnold Ebiketie, the writing may already be on the wall. Injuries have unfortunately derailed Andersen’s development, while Ebiketie hasn’t blossomed into the impact player Atlanta hoped for when they took him in the second round back in 2022. Both feel like long shots to return.
Special Teams: Quietly Crucial
Special teams rarely grab headlines, but the Falcons have two key contributors who should absolutely be brought back. Punter Bradley Pinion has been rock-solid, flipping field position consistently all year. Meanwhile, kicker Zane Gonzalez settled the kicking game over the final nine weeks of the season, bringing some much-needed stability to a position that’s been anything but in recent years.
For a team that played in a lot of close games, that kind of consistency on special teams can be the difference between 7-10 and 10-7.
Whoever takes over as GM in Atlanta will inherit a roster that’s not far off from being a serious NFC contender - but only if they make the right calls this offseason. Retaining the right core players, especially on offense and defense, will be just as important as any splashy move they make.
The Falcons have the pieces. Now it’s about putting them together the right way.