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4 days ago
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Falcons 90-man roster: Kevin King released as training camp begins
It didn't take long for the Atlanta Falcons to make their first training camp transaction. After Thursday's practice, the team announced multiple roster moves, releasing defensive back Kevin King and placing three players -- Cobee Bryant, Malik Verdon and LaCale London -- on the non-football injury list. King appeared in 15 games for Atlanta last season, recording 10 tackles (six solo), two passes defended and one fumble recovery. The veteran defensive back spent the first five years of his career in Green Bay before landing with the Falcons. Bryant and Verdon both signed with the team as undrafted free agents following the 2025 NFL draft. London has been a depth/practice squad player over the last two seasons, appearing in seven of his eight career games with the Falcons. The team also placed linebacker Troy Andersen on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to begin camp. Check out the team's updated 90-man roster below, featuring uniform numbers for each player. Quarterback (4) Michael Penix Jr. (9) Emory Jones (11) Easton Stick (12) Kirk Cousins (18) Running back (6) Bijan Robinson (7) Tyler Allgeier (25) Carlos Washington (26) Jashaun Corbin (30) Nathan Carter (38) Elijah Dotson (41) Wide Receiver (13) Darnell Mooney (1) KhaDarel Hodge (4) Drake London (5) Jamal Agnew (14) Chris Blair (19) Ray-Ray McCloud (34) Quincy Skinner Jr. (36) Nick Nash (80) Dylan Drummond (81) Casey Washington (82) Makai Polk (83) Jesse Matthews (86) David Sills (87) Tight End (6) Kyle Pitts (8) Feleipe Franks (15) Joshua Simon (47) Teagan Quitoriano (85) Nikola Kalinic (88) Charlie Woerner (89) Offensive Line (17) Jovaughn Gwyn (52) Michael Gonzalez (61) Jordan Williams (62) Chris Lindstrom (63) Ryan Neuzil (64) Matthew Bergeron (65) Joshua Gray (67) Kyle Hinton (68) Jack Nelson (69) Jake Matthews (70) Elijah Wilkinson (71) Kilian Zierer (72) Matthew Cindric (73) Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (74) Brandon Parker (75) Kaleb McGary (76) Storm Norton (77) Defensive line (9) Brandon Dorlus (54) David Onyemata (90) Simeon Barrow Jr. (91) Kenatavius Street (93) LaCale London (94) - NFI list Ta'Quon Graham (95) Zach Harrison (96) Ruke Orhorhoro (98) Morgan Fox (99) Linebacker (14) Divine Deablo (0) Jalon Walker (11) Arnold Ebiketie (17) James Pearce Jr. (27) JD Bertrand (40) Josh Woods (42) Troy Andersen (44) - PUP list Bralen Trice (48) DeAngelo Malone (51) Caleb Johnson (53) Kaden Elliss (55) Leonard Floyd (56) Nick Kubitz (59) Khalid Kareem (92) Cornerback (10) Dee Alford (20) Mike Hughes (21) Clark Phillips III (22) A.J. Terrell (24) Mike Ford (28) Natrone Brooks (35) Cobee Bryant (37) - NFI list Lamar Jackson (38) Keith Taylor (39) Dontae Manning (41) Safety (7) Josh Thompson (45) Jessie Bates III (3) DeMarcco Hellams (23) Jordan Fuller (27) Xavier Watts (31) Billy Bowman Jr. (33) Malik Verdon (43) - NFI list Specialists (4) Younghoe Koo (6) Bradley Pinion (13) Lenny Krieg (46) Liam McCullough (49) This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 90-man roster: Kevin King released on Day 1 of camp
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
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Raheem Morris gets no respect in CBS Sports' 2025 head coach rankings
Despite producing their highest win total in seven years, the Atlanta Falcons' 2024 season ended with more disappointment. Head coach Raheem Morris led the team to a 6-3 start, but Atlanta won just two of its final eight games to finish with a record of 8-9 The Falcons had their share of defensive issues last season, but they likely would have ended their playoff drought if Kirk Cousins hadn't injured his throwing arm in Week 10. The veteran quarterback's production fell off drastically, throwing eight interceptions without passing for a single touchdown during the team's four-game losing streak. Morris benched Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16, but many felt it was too little, too late by that point in the year. Even through the team's struggles over the second half of the season, Morris never seemed to lose the locker room. Entering his second year as Falcons head coach, Morris isn't getting much respect around the league. Nobody is saying Morris should be ranked among the top coaches in the NFL, but he is routinely ranked among the worst after one 8-9 season. Morris was placed near the bottom of the league in CBS Sports' 2025 NFL head coach rankings, coming in at No. 27 out of 32 possible coaches. Raheem Morris ranked NFL's 27th-best head coach by CBS Sports For a team that was supposed to be a quarterback away going into 2024, the young Falcons have a lot of questions after Morris' situational calls contributed to another non-playoff season in Atlanta. If Michael Penix Jr. delivers under center, the tides could turn. -- Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports Let's be clear, Morris was far from perfect last season. He made a few game-management mistakes and probably should have taken over defensive play-calling duties from Jimmy Lake when the defense began to struggle. Winning eight games isn't exactly award-worthy, however, some less successful coaches were inexplicably ranked ahead of Morris (see below). Notable head coaches ranked ahead of Raheem Morris: No. 26: Liam Cohen (first-year Jaguars head coach) No. 25:Jonathan Gannon (12-22 record with Cardinals) No.24: Ben Johnson (first-year Bears head coach) No. 23: Dave Canales: (5-12 record with Panthers) The Falcons will have to prove themselves on the field before Morris can get the recognition he deserves. However, the idea that every first-year offensive coach is better than Morris is a bit questionable. Atlanta kicks off training camp for the 2025 NFL season on July 24. Both rookies and veterans will report to Flowery Branch on July 23. Check out our latest 53-man roster projection as you await the start of training camp. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris disrespected in head coach rankings
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
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Falcons training camp preview: Schedule, position breakdowns, predictions
It's been a long offseason, especially for the Atlanta Falcons, who are one of two remaining NFL teams yet to officially start training camp. Players will report to their Flowery Branch training facility on July 23 before opening up their first practice on Thursday, July 24. In our 2025 Falcons training camp preview, we look at the team's full open practice and preseason schedules, break down each position group and make predictions for the 2025 NFL season. Check it out below. Falcons training camp: 11 open practice dates July 24: 9:30 a.m. ET July 26: 9:30 a.m. ET (Morris, Fontenot) July 27: 9:30 a.m. ET July 29: 9:30 a.m. ET July 31: 9:30 a.m. ET August 4: 9:30 a.m. ET August 5: 9:30 a.m. ET August 6: 9:30 a.m. ET August 11: 9:30 a.m. ET August 12: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice) August 13: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice) Falcons 2025 preseason schedule Detroit Lions: Friday, 8/8, 7 p.m. ET Tennessee Titans: Friday, 8/15, 7 p.m. ET At Dallas Cowboys: Friday, 8/22, 8 p.m. ET Falcons Quarterback Breakdown Penix enters the season as the unquestioned starter, but Cousins' presence still feels slightly odd. At this point, we have to believe the Falcons aren't bluffing about keeping the high-priced veteran QB. Assuming he's still on the roster, Cousins will serve as a quality backup. Easton Stick, who has 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one career interception, should be the third-string QB this season. QB Depth Chart (4): Michael Penix Jr. Kirk Cousins Easton Stick Emory Jones 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons QBs: Cousins: $40,000,000 Penix: $5,200,599 Stick: $1,197,500 Jones: $840,000 When your backup quarterback makes seven times more than your starter, it's usually a sign that somebody messed up. Cousins would likely prefer to play elsewhere, but the Falcons have no incentive to do him any favors. Unless the team can get another team to pay a chunk of Cousins' salary, it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta could get out of his contract next season for considerably less. Top free agent QBs available: Carson Wentz Teddy Bridgewater Tyler Huntley The Falcons have no real reason to add another veteran quarterback. The only scenario I could see them signing another QB would be if they release or trade Cousins and want to add a more established backup behind Penix. Wentz and Huntley could be options in this scenario. Predictions/expectations for QBs in 2025: Penix showed enough upside in his three starts last season that we don't anticipate any QB controversies in 2025. The former No. 8 pick in the draft has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. With a talented surrounding cast and a rifle for an arm, Penix has a real chance to lead the team to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Falcons Running Back Breakdown Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are locks to make the roster, but the other spots are up for grabs. The team released 2024 sixth-round pick Jase McClellan and signed UFL standout Jashaun Corbin. Dotson and Carter will have to ball out during training camp to play themselves onto the roster. This is arguably one of the most talented running back groups in the entire league. RB Depth Chart (6): Bijan Robinson Tyler Allgeier Jashaun Corbin Carlos Washington Jr. Elijah Dotson Nathan Carter 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons RBs: Robinson: $5,988,694 Allgeier: $1,183,472 McClellan: $1,008,592 Washington: $960,000 Dotson: $960,000 Carter: $845,000 For the amount of talent in the backfield, the Falcons are getting a major bargain. Allgeier and Robinson take up around $7.2 million of cap space combined. If you look at what some of the top backs make around the league, it's hard to find a better value in the NFL at running back. Top free agent RBs available: Jamaal Williams Jeff Wilson Ameer Abdullah We think the Falcons will stand pat with their current group, however, adding a veteran like Jamaal Williams would make some sense. Predictions/expectations for RBs in 2025: Robinson just posted a career-high 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He should only get better with a more explosive passing attack to complement him in 2025. Allgeier is a perfect change-of-pace back whose bruising style wears out opposing defenders late in games. Corbin is an exciting prospect with a real chance to make the roster now that the team has released McClellan. Falcons Wide Receiver Breakdown Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud will again serve as Atlanta's top three wideouts. The team signed Agnew to take over the kick/punt return duties from former Falcons running back Avery Williams. Outside of the top guys, look out for Chris Blair, David Sills and Nash to be in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster. Don't sleep on second-year wideout Casey Washington, who played a role on special teams last season as a rookie. WR Depth Chart (13): Drake London Darnell Mooney Ray-Ray McCloud KhaDarel Hodge Jamal Agnew Casey Washington Chris Blair Nick Nash David Sills Dylan Drummond Makai Polk Jesse Matthews Quincy Skinner Jr. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons WRs: Mooney: $14,480,000 London: $6,851,878 McCloud: $4,120,000 Hodge: $2,135,000 Agnew: $1,730,000 Washington: $1,008,399 Sills: $1,100,000 Blair: $960,000 Polk: $852,500 Nash: $846,666 Skinner: $842,000 Drummond: $840,000 Matthews: $840,000 Mooney has the highest cap hit of the team's wide receivers in 2025. The former Bear finished with 992 receiving yards last season and that was without playing in the final game. London has the second-highest cap hit as he enters his fourth season in Atlanta. The team just picked up London's fifth-year option, assuring he'll be with the team through the 2026 season at least. Hodge signed a two-year, $6 million contract to remain in Atlanta. Top free agent WRs available: Keenan Allen Amari Cooper Gabe Davis DJ Chark Brandon Powell Atlanta has a nice wide receiver core, so we don't foresee the team bringing in any of the big-name players available at the position. Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper will probably only be considered if the team suffered an injury to one of its top receivers. Predictions/expectations for WRs in 2025: The Falcons did not draft a single wide receiver, nor did they make any significant additions in free agency. The group will continue to be led by an ascending London, who's firmly established himself as the No. 1 option, and Mooney, who quietly had a nice season as the team's No. 2 wideout. Agnew likely won't play a major role on offense but is a huge special teams signing. McCloud returns as the team's slot receiver after a career year in 2024. Atlanta should have one of the better wide receiver rooms in the NFL this season. Falcons Tight End Breakdown The Falcons did not re-sign Ross Dwelley in free agency but brought in Teagan Quitoriano and Feleipe Franks for depth behind Pitts and Woerner. Pitts will likely continue to play a hybrid tight end/wide receiver role with Woerner playing a more traditional in-line blocker role. Franks is still a project but has a chance to make the roster due to his versatility. The team is also high on undrafted free agent Joshua Simon, a projected Day 3 pick out of South Carolina. TE Depth Chart (6): Kyle Pitts Charlie Woerner Teagan Quitoriano Feleipe Franks Nikola Kalinic Joshua Simon 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons TEs: Pitts: $10,878,000 Woerner: $3,730,000 Franks: $1,420,000 Quitoriano: $1,100,000 Kalinic: $965,000 Simon: $846,666 Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The team picked up his fifth-year option, which will cost $10.8 million this season. The former No. 4 pick should have all the motivation in the world to play his best this season and cash during the offseason, either in Atlanta or somewhere else. Woerner is set to earn just under $3.75 million this season. Nobody else is set to make over $1.5 million in 2025. Top free agent TEs available: Gerald Everett MyCole Pruitt C.J. Uzomah Jordan Akins Hayden Hurst The team could look to free agency to add another tight end before training camp. Two former Falcons players would make interesting fits. Hayden Hurst and MyCole Pruitt had success during their time in Atlanta and could be valuable depth additions. Veterans Gerald Everett and CJ Uzomah are also options for the Falcons in free agency. Predictions/expectations for TEs 2025 The Falcons did not draft a tight end and will look to Pitts and Woerner to lead the room yet again in 2025. Woerner rarely gets the recognition he deserves but is one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. Pitts has moments where he looks like a top-five pick, and others where he seems to disappear. I think the consistent presence of Penix will bring out the best in Pitts this season. I don't think he tops 1,000 yards but could get close if he stays healthy. Falcons Offensive Tackle Breakdown Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary will lead the way yet again in 2025. The two former first-round picks have been reliable bookends along Atlanta's offensive line. Storm Norton is a quality backup who's played well when called upon in the past.. While the Falcons did not commit major resources to the offensive tackle position, they did nab 6-foot-7 rookie Jack Nelson in the seventh round of the draft. Nelson excels as a zone-blocker and should be a good developmental prospect behind Matthews. Left Tackle Depth Chart: Jake Matthews Jack Nelson Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Kilian Zierer Right Tackle Depth Chart: Kaleb Mcgary Storm Norton Brandon Parker Jordan Williams 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OTs: Kaleb McGary: $16,500,000 Jake Matthews: $13,273,713 Storm Norton: $1,500,000 Brandon Parker: $1,030,000 Tyrone Wheatley Jr.: $960,000 Jack Nelson: $878,154 Jordan Williams: $843,333 Kilian Zierer: $840,000 Matthews lowered his cap hit for 2025 when he signed a two-year, $45 million extension just before the start of NFL free agency. That leaves McGary as the team's highest-paid offensive tackle this season with a cap hit of $16.5 million. Norton will make the third-most this season ($1.5 million) and the rest top out at $1 million. Overall, the team is paying over $30 million to its top three offensive tackles. Top free agent OTs available: George Fant Andrus Peat Isaiah Wynn Tyron Smith (retired) Fant was released by the Seahawks and has starting experience. If the team ends up needing an offensive tackle, he would have to be high on the list. There aren't many good options available in free agency this late in the offseason, but Andrus Peat and Isaiah Wynn are potential targets. Predictions/expectations for OTs in 2025: As you can see, the Falcons have a pretty good situation at tackle. Not only do they have two capable starters in Matthews and McGary, but they have a quality swing tackle in Storm Norton and a promising rookie in Jack Nelson. With there being change at the center position, the entire line will have to step up. One thing to watch this season is how McGary holds up as Penix Jr.'s blind-side protector. Falcons Offensive Guard Breakdown Chris Lindstrom is arguably the top guard in the game, and Matthew Bergeron, while not a popular pick at the time, has solidified the left guard position over the last two seasons in Atlanta. While offensive linemen don't get much recognition, the Falcons have two extremely talented duos at guard and tackle. Left Guard Depth Chart: Matthew Bergeron Elijah Wilkinson Joshua Gray (R) Right Guard Depth Chart: Chris Lindstrom Kyle Hinton Behind Bergeron are veteran Elijah Wilkinson and undrafted free agent Josh Gray. Wilkinson has starting experience at both guard and tackle, making him a valuable backup. Gray was a projected Day 3 draft pick who will likely take a developmental role this season. Hinton doesn't have a ton of experience but he's been around for the last few seasons, so there's some familiarity there. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons guards: Chris Lindstrom: $12,250,000 Kyle Hinton: $2,500,000 Matthew Bergeron: $2,448,677 Elijah Wilkinson: $1,197,500 Joshua Gray: $846,600 Overall, the Falcons have roughly $20 million in salary cap space committed to the guard position. Lindstrom is one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL, but no other player on the roster will top the $2.5 million mark in 2025. Bergeron is a major bargain at $2.4 million, but he'll be up for an extension soon. Top free agent guards available: Brandon Scherff Will Hernandez Dalton Risner Jon Feliciano (Retired) At this point in the offseason, very few impact free agents remain. If the Falcons are desperate to add someone, the best options are Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez and Dalton Risner. We don't foresee the team bringing in anyone at guard, assuming the current group stays healthy. Letting a young player like Joshua Gray develop is probably a better use of a roster spot than adding a veteran to sit on the bench. Predictions/expectations for OGs in 2025: The Falcons have two very good starters at the guard position and they should be even better in Year 2 of Zac Robinson's system. As mentioned above, the only real question mark surrounding Atlanta's guards is how the loss of Dalman will affect their play this season. The team has decent depth with versatile backup Elijah Wilkinson, and a good developmental option in Joshua Gray. It should be a good year for this group in 2025. Falcons Center Breakdown As you can see below, there's no real threat or competition for Ryan Neuzil at center. Gwyn is a former seventh-round pick and has only appeared in two career games. Cindric is a former undrafted free agent who spent his first year in Minnesota. The Falcons signed Gonzalez is an undrafted free agent out of Louisville while they waited for Neuzil to sign his contract. Center Depth Chart: Ryan Neuzil Jovaughn Gwyn Matthew Cindric Michael Gonzalez 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons centers: Neuzil: $3,263,000 Gwyn: $1,030,000 Cindric: $840,000 Gonzalez: $840,000 The Falcons signed Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million deal in late May. His 2025 salary cap hit is $3.2 million, which isn't bad for a starting offensive lineman. Gwyn has the second-highest cap hit of the team's centers at $1 million this season. Cindric and Gonzalez are outside of the Falcons' top 51 players in terms of salary cap this season ($840,000 apiece). Top free agent centers available: David Andrews (retired) Nick Harris Dan Feeney Nick Gates The free-agent center market leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear why the team felt bringing back Neuzil was its best option. Former Patriots center David Andrews would have been a good option but he opted to retire following his release. Dan Feeney and Nick Gates are a few low-end options the team could consider if they don't like their current group. Predictions/expectations for centers in 2025: Neuzil is a former undrafted free agent who's spent his entire career as a backup. He played well in place of Dalman last season and now it's his time to shine. While Neuzil doesn't have much experience, he's in a good spot playing between Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron. If Neuzil doesn't get the job done this season, perhaps the team will give Gwyn a look. Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown The Falcons have said they want to play their young players more in 2025, which leads me to think they will start Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison next to defensive tackle David Onyemata. Orhorhoro played sparingly as a rookie but the team traded up to the 35th overall pick to draft him in 2024. Morgan Fox has a chance to play a key role as well, but I expect the team to use a heavy rotation at all three spots. NT depth chart: David Onyemata Kentavius Street LaCale London LDE depth chart: Ruke Orhorhoro Morgan Fox Simeon Barrow Jr. RDE depth chart: Zach Harrison Ta'Quon Graham Brandon Dorlus 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL: Onyemata: $16,925,000 Fox: $2,500,000 Orhorhoro: $2,253,665 Harrison: $1,518,667 Graham: $1,337,500 Street: $1,197,500 Dorlus: $1,165,599 London: $960,000 Barrow Jr.: $850,000 As you can see above, Onyemata's 2025 salary cap hit is over six times higher than the next defensive lineman on the team. The Falcons don't have much money committed to the position outside of Onyemata. Fox, who signed with the team as a free agent, has the second-highest cap hit at just $2.5 million this season. Only one other defensive lineman, Ruke Orhorhoro, will top the $2 million mark this season. Overall, this group is set to earn around $29 million in 2025. Top free agent DL available: Jadeveon Clowney Raekwon Davis DeMarcus Walker Austin Johnson The Falcons have a few decent options to choose from if they want more help up front. Jadeveon Clowney is by far the best free agent available at the position, and he would make some sense if the Falcons aren't confident in their current group. Raekwon Davis and DeMarcus Walker are other options, while Austin Johnson could be a name to watch at the defensive tackle spot. Predictions/expectations for DL in 2025: With Jarrett in Chicago, the Falcons will look to a few different players to replace him in 2025. Morgan Fox and Ruke Orhorhoro are both in the mix to start up front. It will likely come down to who performs best in training camp, which begins on July 24. Zach Harrison is in line for an expanded role, and second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro could also start for Atlanta. While this group has some promising talent, it's arguably the team's weakest position overall. Onyemata is a proven veteran but the rest of the group is relatively untested. Falcons Outside Linebacker Breakdown This is where the team's depth chart starts to get tricky. While I think both rookies will be starting by the end of the season, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie have the experience advantage. The team could initially use Walker in a hybrid role, alternating him between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Expect this group to rotate quite a bit while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich finds a lineup that works best. ROLB depth chart: Jalon Walker Arnold Ebiketie Bralen Trice Khalid Kareem LOLB depth chart: James Pearce Jr. Leonard Floyd DeAngelo Malone 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs: Leonard Floyd: $10,000,000 Jalon Walker: $3,738,612 James Pearce Jr.: $3,050,688 Arnold Ebiketie: $2,805,948 DeAngelo Malone: $1,663,957 Bralen Trice: $1,347,667 Khalid Kareem: $1,030,000 At $10 million, Floyd is by far the highest paid of Atlanta's edge rushers in terms of his 2025 salary cap number. The Falcons have roughly $24 million in total cap space committed to the position this season. Rookies Walker and Pearce hold the second- and third-highest cap numbers at $3,738,612 and $3,050,688, respectively. Ebiketie isn't far behind with cap hit of $2.8 million. Top free agent OLBs available: Za'Darius Smith Matthew Judon Von Miller Jalen Reeves-Maybin As we just examined, the Falcons actually have a pretty deep group of outside linebackers. However, NFL teams always have to be aware of who's available, and there are a few notable names. Smith is the top name on the list, but he'll likely be signed before the season begins,. After that, it's a mixture of veterans, including Matthew Judon and Von Miller. Predictions/expectations for OLBs in 2025: While there's a lot to be excited about with this edge group, history suggests that fans should temper their expectations. Both Walker and Pearce have immense upside, but it may take some time before they hit their stride. Floyd is a solid veteran who I expect to play a big role, along with Ebiketie. Also, don't sleep on Bralen Trice. The former third-round pick looked good before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2024 preseason. Falcons Inside Linebacker Breakdown Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the other starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs. Right ILB depth chart: Kaden Elliss JD Bertrand Caleb Johnson Malik Verdon Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. Bertrand was a fifth-round pick last year and saw the field more than much of the team's 2024 draft class. Johnson is an experienced veteran who can add depth. Verdon is a former safety who projects as an inside linebacker. Left ILB depth chart: Divine Deablo Troy Andersen Josh Woods Nick Kubitz The other inside linebacker job is up for grabs. The team signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons ILBs: Kaden Elliss: $8,500,000 Divine Deablo: $4,940,000 Troy Andersen: $1,942,046 JD Bertrand: $1,047,506 Caleb Johnson: $1,030,000 Josh Woods: $1,030,000 Nick Kubitz: $845,000 Malik Verdon: $843,333 As you can see, the team has around $20 million in cap space going to the inside linebacker position this season. Elliss has the highest cap hit ($8.5 million), while Deablo's cap hit is second on the team at just under $5 million. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen is due $1.94 million. Second-year linebacker JD Bertrand is fourth on the team with a cap hit of $1,047,506 this season. Top free agent ILBs available: CJ Mosley (retired) De'Vondre Campbell Eric Kendricks Kwon Alexander The Falcons won't have many options if they're forced to look to free agency. The top two options -- CJ Mosley and De'Vondre Campbell -- may be done with football. Campbell's 2024 season with the 49ers ended in controversy while Mosley just announced his retirement from the NFL. Eric Kendricks and Kwon Alexander are decent options if the team is looking to add more depth. Predictions/expectations for Falcons ILBs in 2025: This group will be interesting to watch in 2025, mainly due to Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. We expect Elliss to have another big year starting in the middle. As for Deablo and Andersen, their roles will depend on the scheme Ulbrich runs. Overall, this is a talented group with good depth. The Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman, who split time as a starter and backup over the last few seasons. Falcons Cornerback Breakdown RCB depth chart: A.J. Terrell Clark Phillips III Keith Taylor Dontae Manning (UDFA) LCB depth chart: Mike Hughes Mike Ford Jr. Natrone Brooks Lamar Jackson NCB depth chart: Dee Alford Billy Bowman (Rookie) Cobee Bryant (UDFA) There are no major surprises here. While Mike Hughes and Dee Alford may not be among the top players at their respective positions, both have starting experience and offer stability. Hughes in particular is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Atlanta could have traded for Jalen Ramsey or signed Jaire Alexander, but the team had limited cap space. We listed Bowman as the backup nickel to Alford, but don't be surprised if the rookie sees the field in 2025. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons CBs: Terrell: $9,000,000 Hughes: $3,586,666 Ford: $1,845,000 Alford: $1,490,000 Phillips: $1,223,383 Taylor: $1,100,000 Bowman: $1,086,538 Jackson: $1,030,000 Brooks: $960,000 Bryant: $853,333 Manning: $843,333 The Falcons gave Terrell a mega-extension last year, but he will only count for $9 million against the salary cap in 2025. That's not bad for a No. 1 cornerback. Hughes is second on the team with a cap hit of $3.5 million. Alford will earn $1.5 million and Phillips isn't far behind at $1.2 million. Overall, and the team will pay roughly $24 million to cornerbacks this season. Top free agent CBs available: James Bradberry Kendall Fuller Stephon Gilmore Rasul Douglas The Falcons are unlikely to make any major secondary additions now that the top names are off the market. If the team wants to add someone with starting experience, there are some decent options available. Bradberry is probably the top corner on the market, while Fuller and Gilmore have plenty of experience. There are plenty of solid depth players on the market as well. Predictions/expectations for Falcons CBs in 2025: The Falcons didn't make any major improvements at cornerback, but they also didn't lose any notable players. Hughes and Alford are back, and you could argue the team has better depth behind those two than it had in 2024. I expect Clark Phillips III to serve as a versatile backup playing both inside and outside. As mentioned earlier, I also believe Bowman will find his way onto the field this season. Terrell sets the tone for this group as a whole. If the team's pass rush makes progress, it will only help the Falcons secondary in 2025. Falcons Safety Breakdown While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart. FS depth chart: Jessie Bates III Xavier Watts Kevin King SS depth chart: Jordan Fuller DeMarcco Hellams Josh Thompson While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart. 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons safeties: Bates: $22,250,000 King: $1,197,500 Fuller: $1,155,000 Watts: $1,125,192 Hellams: $1,056,575 Thompson: $960,000 Overall, the Falcons are spending roughly $28 million at the safety position, with $22.2 million of that going to Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Atlanta gave Bates a four-year, $64 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Thus far, he's been worth every penny. Every other safety on the roster has a salary cap hit of less than $1.2 million this season. Top free agent safeties available: Justin Simmons Marcus Williams Quandre Diggs Julian Blackmon As you can see above, there are some still capable safeties available in free agency. Simmons is probably the top name on the market, and would be an interesting option if the Falcons are looking for an injury replacement. However, we still expect the veteran to land somewhere before the season begins. Marcus Williams and former Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs are other potential options for Atlanta in free agency. Predictions/expectations for 2025: Despite letting Simmons walk in free agency, the Falcons arguably got better at the safety position over the offseason. Watts has long-term starter potential and won't be forced into the lineup until he's ready. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of the 2024 season, is a good depth piece who still has plenty of upside. Bates is one of the truly elite safeties in the NFL. If cornerback-turned-safety Kevin King makes the roster, he can provide depth at both spots. Overall, the entire back end of Atlanta's defense should benefit from an improved pass rush this season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons training camp preview: Practice dates, predictions
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patrick Mahomes has high praise for Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping their investment in quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pays off this season. The former top-10 pick appeared in five games last season (three starts), and will enter 2025 as the team's unquestioned starter ahead of Kirk Cousins. Penix may not be a proven commodity, but his arm talent is up there with some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Don't believe me? Ask three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. In an interview with For The Win's Cory Woodroof, Mahomes was asked what he thought of Penix and the Falcons heading into the 2025 season. "He's a great football player, man," Mahomes said of Penix. "I watched him actually when he was at Indiana, and then going over to Washington and how much success he had. And that the end of last season, I thought he did a great job. And so, [he] can throw the football as good as anybody. [He's going to] keep getting better and better in the NFL." The Falcons and Chiefs faced off last season, but Cousins was still starting for Atlanta at quarterback. The team eventually benched Cousins following arguably the worst stretch of his NFL career. Penix stepped in for the final three games of the 2024 season and played well. Even though the Falcons went 1-2 in the games he started, Penix's ability to push the ball down the field and stand tough in the pocket impressed many around the league. His numbers were respectable -- 775 passing yards, four touchdowns (one rushing) and three interceptions. Penix closed out the year with an monster 312-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons may have lost that game, but it was clear to anyone watching that Penix is the team's future. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Patrick Mahomes praises Michael Penix Jr.'s arm
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst lists 4 potential Falcons free-agent targets as camp begins
The Atlanta Falcons haven't made a roster move in about a month, but that will likely change when players report for training camp this week. Without much cap space to work with, the team had to limit its spending in free agency. The Falcons signed a few veterans, including edge rusher Leonard Floyd, linebacker Divine Deablo and safety Jordan Fuller, but due to Kirk Cousins' albatross contract, that was about all the team could manage. However, there are still a few names available that might be worth considering. Advertisement Pro Football Network released a new feature highlighting the best potential fits for the top remaining NFL free agents. The Falcons were mentioned as possible landing spots for four different players -- running back Jeff Wilson, tight end Hayden Hurst, tight end Gerald Everett and cornerback Mike Hilton. PFSN on Falcons signing RB Jeff Wilson Jr.: Wilson offers some value as a special-teams coverage player, which could give him an edge over offense-only free agent backs on the market. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears could use another RB to compete for a roster spot. Going back to San Francisco might not be out of the question given his scheme familiarity. -- Jacob Infante, PFSN Atlanta has two quality running backs in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, but the team cut 2024 sixth-round pick Jase McClellan and replaced him with UFL star Jashaun Corbin. While veteran Jeff Wilson might be the better all-around option, Corbin still has a ton of upside as Atlanta's No. 3 running back. PFSN on Falcons signing TE Hayden Hurst: Hurst brings veteran leadership and experience to the table, making him a potential backup option for teams with young, unproven tight ends as starters. Brenton Strange of the Jaguars and Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts would be good potential mentees. A reunion in Atlanta as a backup to Kyle Pitts could be an option, too. -- Jacob Infante, PFSN The team could use another capable tight end. Kyle Pitts is a solid pass-catching option, and Charlie Woerner is one of the NFL's top blocking tight ends. Hurst, a former first-round pick, is an intriguing option. Advertisement The Falcons traded a second-round pick and a fifth-rounder to acquire Hurst from the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. The trade was largely a disappointment, but Hurst still has some value. PFSN on Falcons signing TE Gerald Everett: Gerald Everett was high enough in demand last offseason to net a two-year, $12 million contract from the Bears. They barely used him; he had just eight catches for 36 yards all year. Now, he finds himself a free agent going into training camp. He overlapped with Falcons OC Zac Robinson with the Rams and played for Raiders coach Pete Carroll during his one season in Seattle. Both could make sense as landing spots, as could the Detroit Lions as a backup to Sam LaPorta. -- Infante The team could use another capable tight end. Kyle Pitts is a solid pass-catching option, and Charlie Woerner is one of the NFL's top blocking tight ends. A quality third option would make sense, though, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Pitts' future in Atlanta. The former top-five pick is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. Of course, it's possible that Pitts has a monster year and re-signs with the Falcons in 2026. Last but not least, Pro Football Network mentioned veteran cornerback Mike Hilton as an option. Advertisement PFSN on Falcons signing CB Mike Hilton: Hilton is 31 years old but still playing at a high level. He's reached PFF grades above 70.0 in each of his last four seasons. Nickel-needy teams would be wise to give him a call. The Los Angeles Rams stand out as a contender with slot cornerback questions, and the Falcons and Raiders could both make sneaky pushes, too. -- Infante As mentioned above, the Falcons aren't really in a position to add any big-name free agents. However, none of the players listed are likely to break the bank. Hilton is still a capable player, but the team signed a handful of cornerbacks in free agency, including Mike Ford and Keith Taylor. Atlanta also re-signed veteran nickel back Dee Alford and drafted defensive back Billy Bowman in the fourth round. And the team still has an ascending player in Clark Phillips III fighting for playing time. So while the Falcons could be inclined to add a tight end, it's tough to imagine them signing Hilton or Wilson to the roster unless they suffer an injury during training camp. Players officially report for camp on Wednesday, July 23, and begin practice on Thursday, July 24. Check out our 2025 Falcons training camp preview for an updated look at the roster and full practice schedule. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL analyst lists four potential free-agent targets
