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MAR 21 HAWKINS SIGNS WITH PATS A former member of the Atlanta Falcons has a new home.
According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the New England Patriots are signing former Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
Hawkins, 26, was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft but was cut six games into the 2023 season. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and played 10 games for them. Now, he heads to the AFC East with the Pats.
MAR 18 STREET STAYS WITH FALCONS The Atlanta Falcons are bringing back one of their free agents.
The team announced Monday that it has re-signed defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
Street was traded to the Falcons shortly before the trade deadline from the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, but now he's going to spend his first full offseason with Atlanta.
MAR 15 VAN SIGNS WITH STEELERS The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing a former Atlanta Falcons receiver into the fold.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac, the Steelers are signing Van Jefferson to a one-year deal.
Jefferson was traded to the Falcons by the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of the 2023 season, but didn't amount to a large amount of targets in Atlanta. Now, he joins the Steelers as a target for Russell Wilson.
MAR 13 RIDLEY SIGNS WITH TITANS Former Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley is on the move again.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Ridley is signing with the Tennessee Titans.
Because Ridley didn't sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, they will owe the Falcons a third-round pick. The Jaguars would have awarded the Falcons their second-round pick had Ridley signed with Jacksonville.
MAR 13 KIRK BIDS FAREWELL The Atlanta Falcons will officially sign Kirk Cousins to a new contract today when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET.
With Cousins leaving the Minnesota Vikings for the Falcons, he recorded a goodbye message on social media.
Thank you Minnesota.
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) March 13, 2024
Love,
Turner, Cooper, Julie and Kirk pic.twitter.com/DuRrIvDYSl
Cousins is set to sign his four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons on Wednesday.
MAR 12 FALCONS SIGN MOONEY After making one of the biggest slashes of free agency by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, they got him another weapon.
The Falcons signed Chicago Bears receiver Darnell Mooney to a 3-year, $39 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Sources: The #Falcons are signing #Bears WR Darnell Mooney, giving them a key new playmaker for Kirk Cousins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Mooney gets a 3-year, $39M deal with $26M fully guaranteed in a contract negotiated by David Mulugheta and AJ Stevens of @AthletesFirst. A top WR off the board. pic.twitter.com/EgWKYhY0b7
Mooney appeared to be on the ascend to one of the better receivers in football after he caught 81 passes for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. Since then, he's caught 71 passes for 907 yards and three touchdowns in the last two seasons.
Being in an offense with Cousins, running back Bijan Robinson and receiver Drake London, Mooney could return to form. The Falcons are clearly banking on that by giving him a three-year deal worth $13 million a year.
MAR 11 BURNS SPURNS PANTHERS, JOINS GIANTS After tormenting the Atlanta Falcons for the past five years, outside linebacker Brian Burns is departing the Carolina Panthers.
According to NFL Network, Burns has been traded to the New York Giants for a second- and fifth-round draft pick.
The Giants are giving Burns a five-year, $150 million contract with $87.5 million guaranteed.
MAR 11 HUNT SIGNS WITH PANTHERS A rival of the Atlanta Falcons is doling out some major money.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers are signing Robert Hunt away from the Miami Dolphins.
Hunt's deal is expected to last for five years and be worth $100 million. Now, Bryce Young has some added protection.
MAR 10 RUSS SIGNS WITH STEELERS The NFL free agent quarterback market is beginning to take shape.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Russell Wilson is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nine-time Pro-Bowl QB and former Super-Bowl champ Russell Wilson plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per league sources. Wilson will sign a team-friendly, one-year deal in which the Broncos will wind up paying $38 million of his salary while Wilson wears the black and… pic.twitter.com/eqQC8w0tIK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
This means that the Atlanta Falcons, who are in need of a quarterback, will look elsewhere ... with Minnesota Vikings veteran Kirk Cousins atop the list.
The NFL's legal tampering period begins tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET.
MAR 7 JONNU SIGNS WITH DOLPHINS Former Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith has found a new home.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter is reporting that Smith signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday.
Smith, 29, played his college football at Florida International in Miami, so signing with the Dolphins is a homecoming of sorts.
MAR 5 HURST CUT BY PANTHERS The Carolina Panthers are saying goodbye to one of their veterans who used to play for the Atlanta Falcons.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers will cut tight end Hayden Hurst when the new league year begins.
Hurst, 30, played with the Falcons from 2020-21. With Atlanta needing a backup tight end after releasing Jonnu Smith, the Falcons could look to bring Hurst back as an option, but a lot remains up in the air.
MAR 4 EVANS STAYS WITH BUCS The Atlanta Falcons will continue to see Mike Evans twice a year.
According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing Evans to a two-year, $52 million contract ahead of free agency.
In 18 career games against the Falcons, Evans has caught 92 passes for 1,407 yards and 11 touchdowns.
MAR 3 CHRIS MORTENSEN DEAD AT 72 The NFL is mourning the loss of one of the most respected reporters in the sport.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen passed away on Sunday. He was 72 years old.
Mortensen worked at ESPN since 1991, but before he got his start there, he was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1983-90, covering the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and the league as a whole.
MAR 1 CALEB WILLIAMS LIKES FALCONS The Atlanta Falcons are slated to pick at No. 8 overall, but they need a quarterback and aren't afraid to trade up in order to do so.
Caleb Williams spoke with reporters Friday at the NFL Combine and was asked about his meeting with the Falcons.
"If they trade up, I'll be there," Williams said.
The 2024 NFL Draft is set from April 25-27.
FEB 28 FALCONS MEET WITH TOP QBs The Atlanta Falcons are getting in front of some of the biggest stars ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are among the teams who met with LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye at the Combine.
Both quarterbacks are slated to be next on the quarterback list after USC's Caleb Williams goes No. 1. The Falcons are slated to pick at No. 8 in April's draft, but may need to trade up to select Daniels or Maye.
FEB 23 NFL SETS SALARY CAP Business is booming in the NFL, and that's reflected in this year's salary cap spike.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the league is increasing the salary cap to $255.4 million, which is an increase of just over $30 million from the year before.
This gives the Atlanta Falcons just over $41 million in cap room, according to Spotrac.
FEB 20 RAGONE TO RAMS The Los Angeles Rams are adding to their coaching staff with a familiar face to the Atlanta Falcons.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Rams are hiring former Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone as their quarterbacks coach.
Hiring Ragone basically confirms a swap between him and new Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who served as the Rams' quarterback coach in 2023.
FEB 19 MIKE DAVIS RETIRES Former Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis is blowing out candles and hanging up his cleats.
Davis, who turns 31 today, announced his retirement on social media after eight NFL seasons.
Davis played 16 games for the Falcons in 2021, rushing for 473 yards and three touchdowns. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens.
FEB 16 FALCONS PREDICTED TO WIN NFC SOUTH The Atlanta Falcons haven't won an NFC South title since 2016, but according to Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd, that will change in 2024.
"I think they get a veteran [quarterback] in there for a couple of years, and Atlanta wins kind of a weak division."
Falcons fans hope Cowherd is right, because that means Atlanta will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
FEB 15 FULTON KUYKENDALL PASSES AWAY Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker and franchise star Fulton Kuykendall has passed away at the age of 70, per an announcement from the team.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Grits Blitz member and Falcons Legend, Fulton Kuykendall," the Falcons said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Kuykendall was a sixth-round draft pick for the Falcons in 1975 and played 10 years for the franchise.
He played in 123 games, starting 93. He finished his career with the San Francisco 49ers and retired in 1985.
FEB 15 ATLANTA SUPER BOWL COMING? It's been five years since Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, hosted a Super Bowl. But the stadium could be in line to host once again.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Falcons could host a Super Bowl in 2028 or 2029.
Super Bowl sites are already set for 2025-27 (New Orleans, Santa Clara and Los Angeles), but Atlanta could re-enter the hosting conversation before the end of the decade.
FEB 12 SUPER BOWL ODDS The Super Bowl has come and gone, marking the end of another NFL season. But that means it's time to look into the future at the next one.
ESPN BET laid out odds to win Super Bowl LIX in a year from now, and the Atlanta Falcons hold +5000 odds, ranking 18th in the NFL alongside the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.
The Falcons hold the best odds in the NFC South after the New Orleans Saints (+7500), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7500) and Carolina Panthers (+25000).
FEB 11 SHANAHAN'S 49ERS WIN SUPER BOWL Former Atlanta Falcons coach Kyle Shanahan still has the monkey of his back.
Shanahan led the San Francisco 49ers to a 25-22 overtime victory in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shanahan last coached the Falcons in 2016 when he was the offensive coordinator for Atlanta. The team reached the Super Bowl but lost in overtime to the New England Patriots. Now, he remains without a ring.
FEB 10 VICK AT CHIEFS PRACTICE The Kansas City Chiefs are one day away from the Super Bowl, but before their final practice to prepare to play the San Francisco 49ers, coach Andy Reid invited a former quarterback of his.
Michael Vick, who played under Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles and for the Atlanta Falcons, visited the Chiefs at their practice on Friday, according to NBC Sports reporter Peter King.
Vick never won a Super Bowl ring of his own, but perhaps his insight and expertise can help the Chiefs beat the 49ers.
The Chiefs and 49ers are set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
FEB 5 MATT RYAN WORKING SUPER BOWL For the first time in seven years, Matt Ryan will be back at the Super Bowl.
According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC, Ryan is set to be part of the CBS broadcast for the Super Bowl on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.
Ryan is wrapping up his first season as a broadcaster for the network.
FEB 1 COMMANDERS HIRE DAN QUINN The final head coaching hire in the NFL is a former member of the Atlanta Falcons.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are hiring former Falcons coach Dan Quinn.
Quinn served as the Falcons coach from 2015-20, leading the team to the Super Bowl in 2016. He spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
Quinn will have the opportunity to lead his new Commanders team against the Falcons at some point in 2024.
More must-reads:
- Chargers star's brutal injury shows why players should hold out with new contracts on line
- 'Clearly separated himself': Why one QB is winning Browns' competition
- The '2024-25 NFL passing-yard leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Steelers Now Have A Surefire Solution To End Cam Heyward's Hold-In
The Pittsburgh Steelers got hit with quite a bit of interesting news on Thursday. It started when NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward was staging a hold-in, attending training camp but not fully participating as he seeks a new contract. Not long after that, kicker Chris Boswell was also reported to be interested in a new deal, adding another contract situation to the team’s growing list of concerns. As for Heyward, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly quickly suggested a possible solution that could effectively end the hold-in without requiring a full contract extension. Kaboly proposed the idea of adding incentives to Heyward’s existing deal, which would reward performance while avoiding a long-term financial commitment. He believes this compromise would allow the Steelers to show respect for Heyward’s contributions while keeping the team’s salary cap in check. Kaboly explained that the Steelers used a similar approach in 2016 with star wide receiver Antonio Brown. At the time, Brown was also seeking a new deal, and instead of offering an extension, the team added incentives to his contract to keep him satisfied for the season. The move kept Brown on the field and productive, and Kaboly believes this method could work just as well for Heyward, helping resolve the situation without complicating the team’s financial outlook. "Steelers don't restructure contracts until a year out, but Cam Heyward has 2 years remaining on his deal," Kaboly posted on his social media. "Here is the kicker and this is what I would use if I were Heyward: The Steelers worked some funny math with Antonio Brown in 2016 to get him a $4 million raise." Heyward just received a new deal ahead of the 2024 season. Now, Kaboly is pointing out that with two years remaining on his contract, the Steelers typically don’t restructure deals until there’s only one year left. However, Kaboly believes that if the team follows the same approach they used with Brown, it could help resolve Heyward’s situation. "They moved $4 million of AB's 2017 money to 2016, then tore up the contract in 2017 and made him the highest-paid WR in the NFL," Kaboly said. "AB got a $4 million raise, and the Steelers were able to keep their long-standing policy intact." Both sides could technically come out ahead with this approach. The money was going to Heyward anyway, but by advancing a portion of it to this year, he gets earlier financial recognition without requiring a full extension. Then, when the time comes to negotiate a new deal, both parties can do so in good faith, working toward a contract that makes sense for everyone involved. For now, moving some money forward would be a clear sign of appreciation for Heyward’s contributions and an acknowledgment of how the market has shifted for elite defensive linemen. It would also allow the Steelers to maintain their long-standing policy of waiting until a player enters the final year of his contract before negotiating an extension. Ultimately, it’s a short-term financial gesture that builds trust and buys time for a more permanent solution. Steelers And Cam Heyward Both Could Come Out As Winners This approach not only benefits Heyward financially in the short term but also helps preserve the relationship between the player and the organization. It shows the Steelers value his contributions and want to keep him motivated without rushing into long-term decisions prematurely. By handling things this way, the team retains flexibility in managing their salary cap and future roster moves. It also avoids the potential pitfalls of a large extension that might limit options later. For Heyward, it offers a sense of security and respect while keeping open the door for a more comprehensive agreement when the time is right.
Jaydon Blue injury update: Major news emerges on Cowboys RB after Thursday practice exit
According to Nick Harris of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue suffered a bone bruise in his heel on Thursday. Blue was stepped on during practice, initially looking at an ankle sprain. Thankfully, the MRI came back with some positive news. “Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue’s MRI revealed a bone bruise in his heel after it was stepped on in today’s practice, according to a @startelegram source,” Harris said via X. “No ankle sprain. Good news for the young back who has emerged as an offensive playmaker in camp.” Blue previously told Harris that an ankle injury was what he suffered. Questions about the running back’s availability for Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams are now present. Something to watch as kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT from SoFi Stadium. Dallas took Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping to address its running back situation. Blue played his college ball inside the Lone Star State, suiting up for the Texas Longhorns. Plenty of guys at the position have come out of Austin and found quick success. Blue is hoping to be the next one. For now, there is an injury for him to deal with. No exact timeline has been provided per a report or by a team official. Hopefully, Blue is able to get things cleared up quickly and get his first taste of the NFL before Sept. 4’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. More on Jaydon Blue, Cowboys running back situation Running back was a position the Cowboys needed to desperately figure out this offseason. Rico Dowdle, the team’s leading rusher, was no longer on the roster. Behind Dowdle, Dallas did not have much else. A nice mix of veteran presence and youngsters was needed. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders provide the former, while Blue was a part of the draft class alongside Phil Mafah. A combination of those four figures to be on the opening night roster. Exactly how head coach Brian Schottenheimer splits up the carries is not yet known. Blue’s injury certainly does not help the situation. Cowboys players, in general, have been going down throughout training camp thus far. Making sure everyone is healthy will be critical heading into the season. Especially an explosive back like Blue, someone who can change the outcome of any game in just the snap of your fingers.
Warriors Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Seth Curry
The Golden State Warriors’ offseason continues to revolve around one question. Namely, what happens with Jonathan Kuminga? Golden State currently has just nine players signed to standard contracts, and the Kuminga standoff is slowing the rest of its roster moves. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reported that the Warriors are keeping Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II in a holding pattern until Kuminga’s situation is resolved. Malcolm Brogdon and Seth Curry remain on the team’s radar, with Javonte Green also a possible addition. The Kings and Suns have both explored sign-and-trade deals for Kuminga, but the Warriors haven’t been impressed with what’s been offered. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints noted that those talks haven’t reached a serious stage, and there are no other known suitors at the moment. Warriors Stuck For Now? Cap expert Yossi Gozlan explained in his Third Apron column that Golden State is “probably stuck” until the Kuminga situation plays out. The Warriors are believed to have deals in place with Horford and Melton, but those signings can’t be finalized while Kuminga is still unsigned. If Golden State uses its taxpayer mid-level exception, it would be hard-capped at $207.8 million — opening the door for a rival with cap space to swoop in and make Kuminga a near $30 million per year offer the Warriors couldn’t match. Gozlan views a sign-and-trade as the most practical solution for both sides. If Kuminga re-signs, Golden State would likely aim for a deal in the $22–23 million per year range, which would allow the team to use the taxpayer MLE and add three more players on minimum contracts while staying below the hard cap. For now, all signs point to Kuminga remaining with the Warriors to start next season, but the impasse continues to hold up the rest of Golden State’s plans. More NBA News Rumors
Green Bay Packers’ Xavier McKinney Gets Honest After Big Injury News
The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for their preseason opener against the New York Jets. Unfortunately, they are not going to have one of their best defensive players available to play in the game even if they wanted him to. Xavier McKinney has been ruled out for the rest of training camp and all three preseason games due to a calf injury. After signing a big four-year, $67 million contract with the Packers last offseason in NFL free agency, McKinney put together a big first year in the green and gold. He took on a major leadership role and was a dynamic playmaker in the secondary. In order to compete for a Super Bowl, Green Bay will need him healthy. Following the news of his injury, McKinney spoke out about the situation. Green Bay Packers’ Xavier McKinney Gets Honest After Big Injury News As shared by ESPN, McKinney shared his gratefulness for the injury being caught before it got worse. He also offered some comforting words for Packers fans. “Obviously glad that we caught it when we caught it, so just kind of trying to take it slow and then the build-up, obviously,” McKinney said. “But I’ll be ready when it’s time to go, for sure.” During the 2024 season with Green Bay, McKinney played in all 17 regular season games. He racked up 88 total tackles to go along with a sack, a fumble recovery, eight interceptions, and 11 defended passes. Those numbers show just how big of an impact McKinney makes for the defense. Jeff Hafley was spoiled in his debut season as the team’s defensive coordinator by having him patrolling the final layer of his unit. Hopefully, McKinney will be able to recovery quickly and get back to 100 percent by Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. He sounds confident that he’ll be able to do just that.
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