The Atlanta Falcons are ushering in a new era with Kevin Stefanski at the helm, following Raheem Morris' tenure. Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, arrives with a mixed record from his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he faced significant challenges. Despite this, his coaching acumen is undeniable, and there's optimism that he can steer the Falcons to compete for the NFC South title this year.
The quarterback situation remains a bit of a mystery, but Stefanski likely has some assurance of stability at the position. Whether it's Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins, or another option, the Falcons are expected to have a competent quarterback setup in 2026. However, the team faces a pressing need to bolster its defense, especially with numerous defensive free agents on the horizon.
Enter John Franklin-Myers, a player who could be pivotal for the Falcons. After two productive years with the Denver Broncos, where he notched 14.5 sacks, 65 tackles, and 33 quarterback hits over 33 games, Franklin-Myers has proven to be a consistent performer.
While not an elite game-changer, his reliability is a major asset. Over the past five seasons, he has consistently delivered solid numbers, including a career-high 7.5 sacks this year.
The connection between Franklin-Myers and Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who coached him during their time with the New York Jets, makes this potential move even more compelling. This familiarity could be the key to unlocking Franklin-Myers' potential in Atlanta.
With the Broncos having heavily invested in their defensive line, Franklin-Myers appears to be the odd man out, making him an attractive target for the Falcons. His addition would provide much-needed stability and upside as a pass rusher, complementing Ulbrich's defensive strategies.
In short, Franklin-Myers fits seamlessly into Atlanta's plans, offering both sides a promising opportunity to thrive.