The opening phase of NFL Free Agency is underway, and a number of teams have already made a significant impact to improve their roster. The Atlanta Falcons have acquired several new players at various positions on defense. This involves former Georgia Bulldog Leonard Floyd on a short-term deal worth $10 million. Floyd has previously played for the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking with fans, a consistent frustration arises with the role of general manager Terry Fontenot on how he’s handled the team’s salary cap in his tenure.
“It’s nice to see they’re finally making moves on the defensive side of the ball, but they could be in a much better position right now had they not made the costly error of that large contract for Kirk Cousins last offseason.” – Blake Newsom, Atlanta Falcons season ticket holder
A lot of speculation on a possible destination for Kirk Cousins has been discussed after the Falcons finished the 2024 season at 8-9, missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. The team began with a 6-3 record before losing four straight games, benching Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. after a sloppy win on Monday Night Football against the Raiders. Cousins met with owner Arthur Blank and has indicated his desire to start, whether it’s in Atlanta or a new city.
D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Falcons beat writer for the AJC, gave an update on the situation at the beginning of the month.
“The Falcons demoted the quarterback last season after giving him a four-year, $180 million deal the previous offseason. He now wants out, but his contract is deemed untradeable, and the Falcons have been reluctant to release him.” – D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Falcons beat writer
The conditions of his contract make it so that all parties have to approve a trade to another franchise. Blank noted they have “already paid him,” referring to the $100 million of the $180 million as guaranteed. Possible restructuring of other contracts has been seen as an avenue to create an ability to sign more impactful players at the team’s weakest positions.
Multiple teams around the league have made changes at the quarterback position, including the New York Giants coming to an agreement with Russell Wilson for a 1-year contract worth $10.5 million. Former Minnesota Viking Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks for $100.5 million over 3 years. This came after the departure of Geno Smith who landed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran Aaron Rodgers is yet to sign with a team after becoming a free agent on March 12.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 24. The Atlanta Falcons hold the fifteenth overall pick, barring any potential trade.
