The Atlanta Falcons are embarking on a fresh chapter with franchise icon Matt Ryan taking the reins and Kevin Stefanski stepping in as head coach. This new era means big changes for the Falcons' roster as they head into the NFL offseason, with free agency looming. Let's dive into the key free agents the Falcons should consider letting go as they embrace the Ryan/Stefanski era.
First up, there are a few players the Falcons should prioritize keeping. Tight end Kyle Pitts is at the top of that list, with linebacker Kaden Elliss not far behind. Despite being 34, defensive lineman David Onyemata remains a crucial part of the defense and warrants a short-term deal to keep his veteran presence on the field.
Beyond these players, the future of other Falcons' free agents is less certain. Let's explore who might be departing before the offseason concludes.
Running back Tyler Allgeier has shown he deserves a starting role in the NFL, and his opportunity is likely on the horizon. Having both Allgeier and Bijan Robinson on the roster has been a luxury for Atlanta, but with Robinson nearing a new contract, maintaining two top-tier running backs isn't practical.
Allgeier, at 25, is poised to attract a contract in the $5-$8 million range annually. Meanwhile, the Falcons need to decide on Robinson's fifth-year option by May 1, which would bump his salary to $11.4 million in 2027. An extension would likely follow, pushing his earnings into the $20 million range.
In today's NFL, investing heavily in one running back is risky; doing so with two is unsustainable. The Falcons should let Allgeier test free agency and look to the 2026 NFL Draft for a mid-to-late-round running back to complement their franchise player.
The Falcons made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting two first-round pass rushers. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both shined in their rookie seasons, posting 5.5 and 10.5 sacks, respectively.
With these young edges seemingly set, the list of players the Falcons should release in free agency would have included Arnold Ebiketie. However, Pearce's recent legal troubles, involving five felony counts, have put his NFL future in serious doubt.
As a result, re-signing Ebiketie becomes essential, although veteran Leonard Floyd should still be allowed to leave. At 34, Floyd's production dipped significantly last season, with only 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 15 games.
The Falcons' offensive line ranked 14th according to PFF's end-of-season rankings, but right tackle Elijah Wilkinson was the weak link. He was filling in for the injured Kaleb McGary, who, at 31, is recovering from a significant knee injury. On the left side, Jake Matthews, now 34, remains solid but is nearing the end of his career.
It's time for the Falcons to inject youth into their offensive line and plan for the future. At 30, Wilkinson doesn't fit this long-term vision, making him a candidate to move on this offseason.