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New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
James Pearce Jr. barely leaves the field as Jalon Walker misses Falcons' preseason loss
ATLANTA — It's yet to be determined what type of role Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will have once the season begins, but he has been the busiest Falcon of this training camp. Literally. Pearce, the No. 26 pick out of the University of Tennessee, has taken 481 practice snaps this preseason, more than any player on the roster, general manager Terry Fontenot confirmed Friday night. And that workload has continued in both of Atlanta's preseason games, including Friday's 23-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, when Pearce barely came off the field. Advertisement 'He loves playing football,' coach Raheem Morris said. 'He's one of those guys that can do it. He's shown us he's in elite shape. He's shown us he's getting in better shape as we go. He's really dedicated himself to our performance team and the things we ask him to do. I couldn't be more pleased with the effort that he's given us.' Pearce's heavy workload is the result of a combination of factors. As a promising rookie, he's taking practice snaps with the first- and second-team defenses, and he has also been one of the team's healthiest players throughout camp. Fellow edge rusher Jalon Walker, the 15th pick in the NFL Draft, missed a week of preseason practice because of a hamstring injury and missed Friday night's game with a groin injury suffered Wednesday during a joint practice with the Titans. Morris described Walker's most recent injury as a 'tweak' and said he expects the rookie back on the practice field next week. Pearce, meanwhile, just keeps going and going and going. He started Friday night's game and was still playing inside the two-minute warning. 'He just doesn't seem to wear down or get as tired as you would think,' Morris said. 'In the second half, he had to go back out as the emergency rusher to help us get through the game. So he goes out and plays a bunch of snaps for us and looks great.' Pearce, who did not speak to reporters after the game, was fourth on the team with four tackles and pressured Tennessee quarterback Brandon Allen before Allen threw an interception to Natrone Brooks. Bringing the edge 😤 FOX | NFL+ — Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 16, 2025 'He's going to be a big factor for us this year,' edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie said. 'The faster he can come along, the better it is for the team.' The addition of Pearce and Walker to the roster will make trimming the edge position for the opening-day roster a challenge. The Falcons kept four outside linebackers on their initial 53-man roster last season and also kept defensive lineman James Smith-Williams, who essentially served as an oversized edge. Advertisement The first four spots at edge this year are locked up. Free-agent addition Leonard Floyd, the nine-year veteran who has had at least 8 1/2 sacks in each of the last five seasons, and Ebiketie, Atlanta's second-round pick in 2022 who is playing on the final year of his rookie deal, seem to be the starters based on the practice rotations during training camp. Pearce Jr. and Walker are next in line. If the Falcons again keep four edge rushers on the 53-man, that would leave Bralen Trice and Khalid Kareem on the outside looking in, even though each has shown flashes in training camp. Trice was Atlanta's third-round pick in 2024 but missed all of his rookie season due to a knee injury suffered in training camp. He saw his first live game action since that injury Friday night and had one tackle. 'It was great to watch him go set some edges and rush the passer,' Morris said. 'You're piecemealing him back, so you want to get him in some action with a certain snap count. I was really pleased to see Bralen getting back out there and getting acclimated again to playing live football with live tackling. That was the next big step for him.' Kareem, a five-year veteran who was a fifth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, was one of the team's most effective edge players against the run at some points during camp. Kareem did not dress for Friday night's game, which can be an indicator that a player has already secured a roster spot. Fourth-year Falcon DeAngelo Malone was converted from edge to inside linebacker this offseason but played on the edge throughout the second half. He can provide emergency depth if he makes the roster as an inside linebacker and special teams stalwart. 'Terry's got some tough decisions; I'd hate to be him,' Morris joked after the game. 'But that's a good problem when you have a bunch of edge rushers that you really love and that go out there and play really hard. We'll make those decisions together like we always do.' Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons training camp schedule: 11 open practice dates
The Atlanta Falcons ended the 2024 season on a two-game losing streak to finish 8-9 in Year 1 of the Raheem Morris. The team will look to improve upon that record in 2025, and it all starts with training camp. Falcons players (rookies and veterans) will report to the team's Flowery Branch training facility on July 23, and their first practice is on Thursday, July and general manager Terry Fontenot will address the fans at the team's July 26 practice. The Falcons also have two joint practices scheduled with the Tennessee Titans on August 12 and 13. Check out the team's full open practice schedule 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) Make sure to check out our latest 53-man roster projection for the Falcons ahead of the 2025 season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons training camp schedule: Fans may attend 11 open practices
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How accurate can Michael Penix Jr. be? 7 key questions as Falcons training camp begins
The Atlanta Falcons open training camp on Thursday. It's Year 2 for head coach Raheem Morris and Year 5 for general manager Terry Fontenot, and it's a critical season for the organization. The Falcons haven't made the playoffs since the 2017 season and coughed up a great chance to snap that streak by losing six of last year's final eight games. Advertisement These are the seven questions that are on my mind as camp opens. They aren't meant to be the seven most important issues. For instance, Drake London is not mentioned at all, and he could be on the brink of a breakout season. Neither is a secondary that must make a leap forward this season. As for Kyle Pitts, that's always a question, and I'm out of answers at the moment. These are just the things that are on my mind as the 2025 season begins. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 58.1 percent of his passes during his rookie season. His short stint as a starter means that number doesn't register on the league's official list, which is just as well because it would rank 695th among regular starters in the last 20 years, according to TruMedia. Only the Colts' Anthony Richardson (47.1) was worse last season. If Penix's completion percentage doesn't rise, the answers to every other question on this list simply won't matter. The 25-year-old's coaches apparently don't have any concerns that it will. When Penix was thrust into the starting job in Week 16 last year, he was throwing to receivers he hadn't worked with during in-season practices, and the lack of familiarity showed at times. Other times, he simply missed throws. Five starters in the league completed more than 70 percent of their passes last season, but Penix doesn't need to get to that number. Matthew Stafford's 65.8 percent completion rate seems like a good target number. Stafford has a similarly aggressive style and plays in the offense that Atlanta's is modeled after. Kirk Cousins finished 11th last year with a 66.9 percent completion rate, another realistic goal for Penix's first full season as the starter. Practice passing statistics generally are one of August's most overblown elements, but it's going to be worth watching how well and how often Penix and the starting wide receiver group of London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud are on the same page in camp. The Falcons traded up for the No. 35 pick of the 2024 draft to select defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and then took defensive end Brandon Dorlus in the fourth round. The pair played a combined 167 snaps last season. Orhorhoro spent five weeks on the injured list with an ankle injury, but he had only 11 tackles in the games he did play. Dorlus was inactive for 14 of the team's 17 games and played 19 snaps. Advertisement The Falcons let veteran defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and Eddie Goldman leave in the offseason, opening up snaps for Orhorhoro and Dorlus. Now it's up to the young players to reward Atlanta's faith in them. 'I think it's absolutely going to have to happen in training camp for those guys,' Morris said. Their progress is vital for the Falcons defense and also for the reputation of this staff's draft picks. They drafted eight players in 2024. Penix and linebacker JD Bertrand (fifth round) are the only two to make a significant impact so far. The Jets are the only team with a longer playoff drought than the Falcons, at 14 years. The Panthers share Atlanta's seven-year drought, but no other team has missed more than the last four seasons. In the first 16 years Arthur Blank owned the Falcons, Atlanta won 54.5 percent of its games (11th in the league in that span) and had seven double-digit win seasons. In the last seven years, the Falcons have won 40.5 percent of their games (26th in the league in that span) and haven't reached double-digit wins once. Blank traditionally has been one of the league's most patient owners when it comes to making personnel changes, but he made clear last offseason that he's unhappy with the team's performance since 2018, and that's unlikely to make the 82-year-old more patient. Atlanta has put a lot of resources into improving its pass rush — signing Leonard Floyd during free agency and drafting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round in April — and the investment was warranted if not essential. The Falcons finished 31st in the league in sacks last season with 31 and have been the league's most hapless group of pass rushers for the last two decades. Now, the challenge will be getting those players enough opportunities to rush the passer. NFL teams ran the ball 43.4 percent last season, the highest percentage since 2009. After 10 straight seasons of failing to reach a 42.5 percent run rate, the league has done that for three straight years. It's not a huge change, but NFL teams clearly are more committed to running the ball in response to league defensive coordinators putting so much emphasis on stopping the pass. Advertisement On top of that, teams have gone for it on fourth down at least 736 times in each of the last four seasons after averaging 496 attempts per year the previous 21 seasons. That change affects how often defenses can feel good about what is and what isn't a passing situation, and therefore what defense is called. Defensive coaches love to say, 'You have to earn the right to rush the passer.' Current trends in the league are making that more difficult. The Falcons offense — and the Rams offense, which inspired it — remain wedded to 11 personnel. The Falcons (86.2 percent) and Rams (82.4 percent) were the only teams in the league to use one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers on more than 78 percent of their offensive snaps last season. Meanwhile, the league is starting to trend more to 12 personnel looks with one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers on the field. Teams used that grouping on 22 percent of snaps last season, the highest percentage since at least the 2000 season, according to TruMedia. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was eager to self-scout his group this offseason to avoid being predictable to opposing defenses. 'If you're not evolving in the NFL, you're going to get stuck behind,' he said. Will that mean following the league's trend toward more two-tight-end looks? And, can Atlanta's offensive roster do that effectively? The Falcons were 30th in 12 personnel (10.4 percent) last season. They have six tight ends on the roster entering training camp — Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Feleipe Franks, Nikola Kalinic, Teagan Quitoriano and Joshua Simon. Pitts has been plagued by inconsistent production. Woerner has 18 catches in five NFL seasons. Franks has one catch in two seasons, and Kalinic, Quitoriano and Simon are long shots to make the 53-man roster. Running back Bijan Robinson enters his third season coming off a career-high workload. Robinson went from 272 touches (214 carries, 58 catches) as a rookie to 365 touches (304 carries, 61 catches) last season, and it sounds like that trend will continue. 'As many times as we can get the ball in his hands, we're going to do it,' Penix said. Advertisement On the surface, that seems like the right idea, but the Falcons should be cognizant of Robinson's workload. There have been 15 occasions of a running back getting more than 300 carries in a season in the last five years. Six of those came last season. Of the other nine, only once did the back have more rushing yards the next season. That was Derrick Henry in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. In the other eight seasons, the backs had an average dropoff of 695 rushing yards the next season. The extra carries that went to Robinson came at the expense of Tyler Allgeier, who still owns the franchise's rookie rushing record with the 1,035 yards he amassed in 2022. Allgeier had 210 carries that season. That decreased to 186 in 2023 and 137 last season. Allgeier will be playing this season on the final year of a rookie contract that will pay him about $4 million in total. He's in line for a large raise, but the Falcons may not be willing to offer him a fair-market deal with Robinson's second contract looming. Atlanta would do well to hold on to Allgeier, who has proved he's a starter-quality back and might entice him with a two-year deal that would keep him around through the final year of Robinson's rookie contract and then a presumed fifth-year extension for Robinson. Or Allgeier might decide he wants more long-term security and more carries elsewhere.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL coaches, scouts rank Jessie Bates among league's top 10 safeties
The Atlanta Falcons have made some questionable moves in free agency over the years, but signing Jessie Bates III to a four-year, $64 million contract was among the smartest decisions this team has made since general manager Terry Fontenot took over in 2021. Bates, 28, has recorded 10 of his 24 career interceptions over the last two seasons in Atlanta. The Falcons defense had a rocky year under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, but Bates consistently showed up each week. Even though he missed the Pro Bowl, Bates has impressed those around the league. Advertisement ESPN polled NFL execs, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 players at each position ahead of the 2025 season. Bates was ranked as the league's fourth-best safety in Jeremy Fowler's latest feature: Bates is a prime example of how free agency is supposed to work. The Falcons gave him a four-year, $64 million deal two offseasons ago, and he has rewarded the team with 10 interceptions and 21 pass breakups so far. His 24 interceptions since entering the league in 2018 ranks fifth among all NFL players during that span. "Bates has always had good ball skills, but his tackling has improved," an AFC executive said. Lack of physicality was a criticism of Bates during his four-year stint in Cincinnati, but he is viewed as more of a complete player now with 234 tackles over the past two seasons. He isn't afraid to take aggressive angles and try to punch the ball out when tackling. -- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Due to a lack of salary cap space, the Falcons weren't able to make any splash signings in free agency. Instead, the team doubled down on edge rushers in the 2025 NFL draft, trading away a future first-round pick to pair Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. with Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. In the third round, Atlanta traded up again to secure Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. While veteran Jordan Fuller will likely start in Week 1, Watts could be Bates' backfield mate by the end of the season. Either, way the Falcons appear to have more defensive firepower up front, which should lead to better play on the back end of their defense in 2025. ESPN also ranked Bijan Robinson among the NFL's top 10 running backs in their recent poll of execs, coaches and scouts. Advertisement - Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection as the team prepares for the start of training camp This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons News: Jessie Bates voted No. 4 safety by NFL coaches, scouts
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons training camp: Previewing each defensive position group
The Atlanta Falcons defense lost its way late in the season as the team squandered a chance for a playoff berth in the NFC. General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were determined to get this unit back on track, and the team's offseason moves reflected that. The Falcons brought in Jeff Ulbrich to replace Jimmy Lake as the defensive coordinator, and selected two edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. With training camp approaching, many will be watching the team's new-look defense, especially rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Advertisement Atlanta also upgraded in the secondary and said goodbye to franchise legend Grady Jarrett. Check out our pre-training camp preview of each position group on the Falcons defense below. And don't forget to read our offensive preview. Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Kentavius Street #93 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by) 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) shown during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 26: Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) catches the ball during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons returns an interception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 2025 roster breakdown: Defensive position groups
