The NFL offseason is a time for teams to better their franchise adhering to the following deadlines:

• April 21 is the last day of restricted free agent signing period
• April 27-29 Kansas City will host the NFL Draft
• May 1 is the deadline to exercise fifth-year option for players chosen in round one of the 2020 NFL Draft
• July 17 is the deadline for teams and franchise tagged players to sign multi-year contract extension

Last season the Falcons did not have a winning record. The team finished with a 7-10 record. The NFC South division can be conquered by the Falcons. They are also in a great position to make a playoff run. Atlanta has named Desmond Ridder the starting quarterback for the upcoming 2024 season. Ridder only played four games last year behind former QB Marcus Mariota who was released from the team on Feb. 28.  New additions to Atlanta are safety Jessie Bates and linebacker Kaden Elliss. Adding nickelback Mike Hughes, David Onyemata as a defensive tackle, and defensive end Calais Campbell. Atlanta traded a 5th round draft pick for cornerback Jeff Okudah from Detroit Lions, who was drafted in the 1st round pick 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft. This gives Atlanta major upside to succeed defensively.

Atlanta has a top ten lottery pick in the draft. This can be a great opportunity to draft a young talented player on defense or offense. University of North Georgia student Jack Thurmond has been an Atlanta fan since 2016. “We have good draft pick position, and new guys on defense that have been to the playoffs,” Thurmond said. It is important to build your team based on the needs of your franchise.

There have been new additions to the offense as well. Former Super Bowl winner wide receiver Scotty Miller has been added to the team. Along with tight end Jonnu Smith, offensive lineman Josh Miles and WR Mack Hollins. These transactions add depth to the team’s already talented offensive room.

The NFL schedule for the upcoming season will be released in May.

“I believe the Falcons can make the playoffs if they put their mind to it.”- Jack Thurmond, UNG student

Although the schedule is not yet released, Atlanta will have to play the teams in the NFC South. The teams within the division are the Panthers, Buccaneers and Saints.

“Being a fan is like having love for someone with an addiction. You know they’re on the good path, but you can’t know when they will relapse back into their old ways,” Thurmond said when asked how he felt as a fan.