As the Atlanta Falcons limp toward the end of another disappointing season, the front office faces some difficult decisions. The roster is in flux, the salary cap is tight, and several key players are headed toward free agency. While not everyone will be gone, and a few familiar faces-like linebacker Kaden Elliss-could return, it's clear that big changes are on the horizon.
With that in mind, here are six Falcons who are likely playing their final snaps in Atlanta over the next few weeks.
1. Kirk Cousins - Veteran QB with a Massive Cap Hit
Kirk Cousins was always a short-term bridge, and now that bridge is nearing its final span in Atlanta. With a post-June 1 release projected to free up $35 million in cap space, moving on from the 37-year-old quarterback feels like a financial necessity.
Cousins has done what he can in a tough situation-stepping in while Michael Penix Jr. recovers-but the $57.5 million cap hit looming in 2026 is simply too steep for a player who’s not in the long-term plans. Expect the Falcons to seek another veteran option to hold down the fort, but this chapter with Cousins appears to be closing.
2. Darnell Mooney - From Playmaker to Cap Casualty
Darnell Mooney’s 2025 season has been a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was just a year ago. Once a reliable deep threat, Mooney has struggled to find consistency and has become one of the offense’s most frustrating pieces.
The numbers tell the story, and so does the potential savings. A post-June 1 release would free up nearly $12 million in cap space-money that could go toward building a deeper, more dependable receiver group. Mooney’s regression makes this decision relatively straightforward.
3. Tyler Allgeier - A Starting-Caliber Back Without a Clear Role
Tyler Allgeier is the kind of back every team wants-tough, durable, and productive. But with Bijan Robinson entrenched as the lead back, it’s hard to see a path where Allgeier gets the touches or the contract he deserves in Atlanta.
A former 1,000-yard rusher, Allgeier still has plenty of tread on the tires and could command a solid deal elsewhere. The Falcons may try to keep him, but unless they’re willing to offer starter-level money, he’s likely headed for a new opportunity-and a bigger role-somewhere else.
4. Kyle Pitts - Talented, But Miscast in Atlanta
Kyle Pitts is one of the most intriguing names on this list. The former top-five pick has flashed elite potential, but the fit has never quite clicked in Atlanta’s offense. Whether it’s scheme, usage, or inconsistency, Pitts hasn’t become the game-changing weapon many expected.
Still, talent like his doesn’t go unnoticed. Another team will likely pay for what Pitts could become, not what he’s been. The Falcons, meanwhile, may look to reset at the position, potentially targeting a more physical, chain-moving tight end to anchor the middle of the field.
5. Arnold Ebiketie - High Upside, Low Consistency
Arnold Ebiketie is a name that could come back to haunt Atlanta. The edge rusher has shown flashes-real, dominant stretches where he looks like a future star. He’s pressured quarterbacks at a strong rate, even if the sack totals haven’t quite followed.
But it’s the inconsistency that’s likely to push the Falcons to let him walk. Another team will see the upside and take a calculated gamble, probably at a reasonable price.
And if Ebiketie puts it all together? That could be one of those “why didn’t we keep him?”
moments down the line.
6. Troy Andersen - A Talent Lost to Injuries
Troy Andersen’s story is one of unrealized potential. When healthy, the linebacker has flashed elite athleticism and instincts.
The problem? He just hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
Over the past three seasons, Andersen has played in just nine games.
That kind of availability makes it tough to justify a roster spot, especially when the team is trying to retool. If he can ever stay healthy, he could be a steal for someone. But for Atlanta, the risk likely outweighs the reward at this point.
Looking Ahead
The Falcons are entering an offseason that could reshape the franchise. With cap constraints and a young quarterback still developing, every roster decision carries weight.
Letting go of veterans like Cousins and Mooney opens up financial flexibility. Moving on from players like Pitts and Allgeier signals a shift in offensive identity.
And parting ways with high-upside but inconsistent defenders like Ebiketie and Andersen reflects a desire for dependability.
It’s not just about who’s leaving-it’s about what kind of team Atlanta wants to become. The next few months will tell us plenty.