Biggest offseason concerns facing the Falcons new regime

The Falcons are expected to hire a general manager by the end of the week, who will join forces with Kevin Stefanski and Matt Ryan in an effort to end a postseason drought that’s lasted since the 2016 season.

There isn’t a soul who would argue the Falcons lack the talent to do so. Bijan Robinson is in the conversation as the best offensive player in football. Drake London is a true WR1. The offensive line has performed well above average for the better part of the last half decade. And the defense just finished second in the league in sacks, led almost entirely by players still on their rookie contracts.

With the right coaching, this roster is capable of winning a weak NFC South as currently constructed. But if the Falcons want to get where they really want to go, there are several critical questions the new regime must answer.

The future of Kyle Pitts

The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft — and the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history — is headed for unrestricted free agency. There’s no denying Pitts hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a good player. He’s a top-10 tight end, coming off the second-best season of his career, and he’s still just 25 years old.

With so few reliable pass catchers on the roster, it would make sense for Atlanta to do what it can to retain him. That said, there will be a lot of competition for his services this offseason.

Is Michael Penix Jr. the guy?

Michael Penix Jr. said earlier this week that he believes he’ll be ready for Week 1. If the Falcons believe that as well, this may be a question they punt to next offseason, when they’ll have a clearer picture of what they have in him.

However, this regime had nothing to do with selecting Penix eighth overall. Because of that, it wouldn’t be surprising if they aggressively pursued competition at the position.

An offensive line reshuffle?

The offensive line had another solid season, but some changes could still be coming. Ryan Neuzil was fine in his first year as a starter, but upgrading the position wouldn’t hurt. Jake Matthews has been a fixture at left tackle for more than a decade, but he’ll be 34 next season, and at some point the Falcons will need to start thinking about the future there.

Right tackle is an even bigger concern, especially with a left-handed quarterback under center. Kaleb McGary is under contract, but he’s coming off an injury that cost him all of last season. More stability at the position should absolutely be on the table.

A roadblock in the middle of the defensive line

There was a lot to like about the strides Atlanta’s defensive line made in 2025, particularly as a pass-rushing unit. However, the run defense was an issue, as the Falcons allowed 126.2 rushing yards per game. Finding interior defenders who can eat space and hold up against the run should be a major priority in both the draft and free agency.

Wide receiver, wide receiver, and more wide receivers

For all the talk about the Falcons’ skill-position talent, the group is extremely top-heavy. Drake London is the only proven wide receiver on the roster, especially if Darnell Mooney is released, which feels likely after such a porous 2025 campaign. Atlanta needs a legitimate option opposite London and several additional pass catchers who can fill complementary roles.

Which key free agents will be retained?

Beyond Kyle Pitts, several important contributors are set to hit free agency. The Falcons can’t keep everyone, but a few defensive players deserve strong consideration.

Kaden Elliss has been the heartbeat of Atlanta’s defense since arriving three years ago, recording over 100 tackles in each season to go along with 12.5 sacks and multiple interceptions. He should be a priority to bring back. Dee Alford also deserves a long look after his bounce-back season under Jeff Ulbrich.

On special teams, it’s hard to imagine the Falcons letting Zane Gonzalez walk after he stabilized the kicker position down the stretch, converting 19 of his 22 field-goal attempts over the final nine weeks.