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Miami Herald
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
The jarring data on how the Dolphins do with Phillips and Chubb together. Now add Robinson
Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb have been teammates for parts of four calendar years, but they have been on the field together for what amounts to less than a single regular season. Of the 43 games they have been teammates since Chubb's 2022 acquisition from Denver, the two edge rushers have been on the field for only 16 of them. But here's what's encouraging: Both are now healthy, and when they are chasing opposing quarterbacks simultaneously, the results have been spectacular. Their cumulative stats in those 16 games are exceptional: 18.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 49 quarterback hits and six forced fumbles. The Dolphins are 10-6 in those games, compared to 13-14 in the 27 games when one or both hasn't been available. Phillips has done much of his best work alongside Chubb, producing 10.5 sacks, 26 QB hits and 11 tackles for loss in those 16 games. Chubb has 7.5 sacks, 23 QB hits and five forced fumbles. Any Dolphins blueprint for great success this season almost assuredly has Phillips and Chubb staying healthy and producing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level. They haven't been on the same field since Phillips tore an Achilles tendon in a 30-0 rout of the Jets the day after Thanksgiving in 2023. Chubb sustained three serious knee injuries against Baltimore five weeks later, which sidelined him all of last season. Phillips had a quiet start to last season (one sack, four pressures), then sustained a season-ending ACL injury. For Phillips, the joy this summer stems not only from returning to the field, but resuming his partnership with Chubb and re-establishing camaraderie in the locker room, which is something he missed. 'Playing with Bradley has been one of the most fun times of my career,' he said Friday. They have also generally been the most successful times of his career. Phillips has very been solid without Chubb, collecting 12.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in 30 games without Chubb on the team or in the lineup. With Chubb playing opposite him, Phillips has been spectacular, with those 10.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits in 16 games. 'I feel myself smiling,' coach Mike McDaniel said earlier this summer of his two top edge rushers returning to health. 'I think having you know both Bradley and Jaelan back is something [significant]. It's a different presence that I think has been understated and has been gigantic.' That duo could be even more lethal with second-year edge player Chop Robinson incorporated in the mix. Coordinator Anthony Weaver is believed to be concocting packages to use all of them together at times. Robinson — who has played four games with Phillips and none with Chubb — had six sacks (all in the final 10 games), eight tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits and his 18.8 pass rush win rate was seventh best among all NFL edge players (minimum 100 snaps). 'Adding Chop to that equation, I truly feel like Chop is going to be one of the best players in the league very soon,' Phillips said. 'I think he already is supremely talented. The more comfortable he gets, the more confident he gets. He's a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate. It's going to be exciting for us to all play at the same time.' Chubb — who said he's 'starving' to return after missing last season - said the potential for the Phillips/Chubb/Robinson lineup is 'through the roof. We've got the names, we got the track record of what we have done on the field; now it's just about putting it all together, staying on the field together. 'We're all close already, but keeping that tight-knit bond, and understanding that we all need each other. Me helping out Chop and Chop helping out J.P. and vice versa; it's not going to do nothing but make us better and no egos in the room.' As a trio, 'I don't want to put a number on what we're going to do yet,' Chubb said. 'But I feel like if we all stay healthy, all keep our heads on straight, it could be special.' Phillips will play this season on a $13.2 million fifth-year option and then enter unrestricted free agency, barring a contract extension before. The Dolphins likely want to see if he can stay healthy after playing in 12 of a possible 34 games the past two seasons. For now, it's about keeping Chubb and Phillips ambulatory. Based on their track record, the results will come if they're healthy. 'Everything is about injury prevention and recovery,' Phillips said. 'I've been incorporating wellness into my routine. That's something I'm hyperfocused on. Even when I'm not 100 percent healthy, I'm still going to be able to get out there.'
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nolan Smith reveals what's fueling his potential breakout Eagles season
Nolan Smith speaks with clarity, wisdom, and fire ahead of what could be an exciting Eagles season. Nolan Smith is an absolute soundbite machine. That man has a lot of wisdom and is really good at communicating his thoughts & he shoots down a question regarding all the winning he's done in his career and also talks about picking out a new book at Barnes & Noble We live in a microwave society. You've probably heard someone you admire teach that to you a few times. As it turns out, they were right. Patience isn't something we place in high regard. That's especially true of the Philadelphia Eagles fan. Once upon a time, there were teams that wanted their young quarterbacks to sit and learn before throwing them into the fire. Nowadays, those same franchises hope those guys get up to speed and begin constructing Pro Bowl-caliber numbers before the calendar reaches Thanksgiving. If drafted higher, the clock is sped up. Here's the thing. Most acknowledge that quarterbacks need reps. Less often do we hear that sentiment when discussing young edge rushers. Nolan Smith's quiet confidence says everything Eagles fans need to hear Believe it or not, we're already entering year three of Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter's era in Philadelphia. We knew the latter would be a sure thing upon his entry into the NFL. Some had their doubts about the former. His size was mentioned as a potential weakness. He was staring up the depth chart at a Pro Bowler, Haason Reddick, so much of Smith's first season was spent on special teams. There was also a shoulder issue he was trying to labor through. Wouldn't you know it? That's all it took for some to shackle him with the 'bust' label. Bust? Are you serious? Those in the know, including this platform, knew all he needed was experience and time, and in his sophomore campaign, he turned the corner. Now, he has his sights set on achieving even more. That's what some refer to as quiet confidence, but as we've gotten to know Smith, we've found something out about his personality. Sometimes, that confidence is expressed at a higher decibel. Nolan Smith says he's looking to have more than 12 sacks next season!'That's on the low side' Did he just say he's on the hunt for double-digit sacks? Let's take an inventory. Last season, he trumped his single sack as a rookie by notching 6.5 in 16 games with ten starts. Then, he led all defenders with four sacks and four tackles for loss during the Eagles' march to another Super Bowl win. That being said. One of two things is possible. He could wear down by playing more snaps now that Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat are gone, or he could rise to the occasion with more responsibility and opportunity. We all have our opinions. This way, wagers are being placed on the latter scenario.
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Should the Seahawks sign DT Christian Wilkins?
The Las Vegas Raiders made a shocking decision on Thursday evening by releasing high-priced defensive tackle Christian Wilkins from his contract. The Raiders' previous regime signed Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract last offseason. New decision makers John Spytek and Pete Carroll were displeased with how he approached his recovery from an injured foot, and terminated his contract as a vested veteran to void the remaining $35.2 million of his guaranteed money, per Adam Schefter. Should the Seattle Seahawks consider signing Wilkins when he's healthy? There will be lawyers involved in Wilkins' standoff with the Raiders. As noted by Schefter, the NFLPA filed a grievance on Wilkins' behalf, attempting to help him get his remaining guarantees back. The Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle is still recovering from that aforementioned injury, and though there's no definite timeline for his return, Seahawks GM John Schneider could be attentive to his situation. Wilkins was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL before joining the Raiders last offseason in what became a disastrous tenure. The Seahawks are ultimately pretty deep at defensive tackle. Veterans Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins were re-signed earlier this offseason to play next to Leonard Williams this year. Sophomore first-round pick Byron Murphy II is also expected to take a developmental step forward. Wilkins isn't expected to be healthy when Week 1 begins. Perhaps if the Seahawks suffer injuries at defensive tackle (knocks on wood) and Wilkins recovers at the opportune moment, he'll be an option for Schneider to consider. That would require the Seahawks to possess a midseason winning record.
Newsweek
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
NY Giants Star Gets Honest About Working With Russell Wilson
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. No matter who was throwing passes to Malik Nabers last season, the New York Giants star was making the most of his opportunity as a first-round pick. Before entering the NFL Draft in 2024, Nabers spent three seasons playing at LSU. After a 417-yard season in 2021 as a freshman, Nabers cracked 1,000 yards while scoring three touchdowns. He cracked 1,000 yards again by a wide margin in 2023, logging 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. After a fantastic third season at LSU, Nabers was selected sixth overall by the Giants. The Giants hoped that Daniel Jones could put it back together, but the former first-rounder was benched midway through the year. From that point on, the Giants had to rotate through quarterbacks. By the end of the year, Nabers was still a Pro Bowl-caliber talent. Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants talks to reporters during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants talks to reporters during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New he logged 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Imagine what he could do with some stability at quarterback. So far, the Russell Wilson experience has gone well for the New York Giants. Following Wednesday's session at training camp, Nabers got honest about his new working relationship with the longtime veteran quarterback. "He's a great leader," said Nabers. "He's one of those quarterbacks who gets everybody going, so we needed that in the huddle today. We kind of started off slow, but with Russ and his leadership, we picked things up in the end." Since Wilson entered the NFL out of Wisconsin in 2012, he's been a starter. He might not have been the Seattle Seahawks' immediate leader back then, but he quickly learned the ins and outs of being a vocal veteran and helped the Seahawks find plenty of success over time. Wilson might be at a much different stage of his career at this time, but that hasn't swayed the way the Giants' young players view him. A player like Nabers has embraced the presence of Wilson since he signed a one-year deal with the Giants this offseason. Although Nabers and Wilson didn't get a chance to work together during the team's spring sessions, they worked out on numerous occasions out in San Diego and Atlanta this offseason. This week, the Nabers-Wilson connection got a chance to go to work in a competitive setting. The sophomore wideout is poised for another big year. Wilson could be a major contributor in making that happen. For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons training camp preview: Schedule, position breakdowns, predictions
As the Falcons prepare to begin training camp, we examine each position group and take a look at the practice schedule. 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 Falcons 2025 preseason schedule 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): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons QBs: 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: 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): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons RBs: 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: 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): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons WRs: 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: 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): 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons TEs: 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: 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: Right Tackle Depth Chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OTs: 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: 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: Right Guard Depth Chart: 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: 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: 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: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons centers: 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: 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: LDE depth chart: RDE depth chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL: 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: 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: LOLB depth chart: 2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: LCB depth chart: NCB depth chart: 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: 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: 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: SS depth chart: 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: 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: 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.
