What Are The Three Biggest Offseason Storylines For The Atlanta Falcons?

Yes, Kirk Cousins is still on the Falcons' roster, and it appears we are no closer to a decision on how long he plans to be a member of the team. Atlanta has desperately held private discussions regarding his availability, but the asking price has been too high. 

Atlanta ultimately would like a team to take on at least $20 million of the remaining $45 million owed to Cousins. Still, only two teams have been confirmed to have interest, with those being the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. Both of which only want to shell out $10 million of what is owed to Cousins. 

Recently, it has been rumored that the New Orleans Saints have joined the saga in having interest in bringing in Cousins, but nothing is concrete as of yet. One would think that it would be voodoo to send Cousins to a bitter rival, but with the Saints projected to be a low-tier NFC team, would it matter? 

The last revenge game was supposed to be between Cousins and the Vikings, but it was more of a revenge game for Minnesota due to Cousins leaving on his own accord. With likely no suitors yet, Cousins may become a very wealthy, high-paid backup quarterback.

2. Is Kyle Pitts In Or Out In Atlanta?

The blame is not all on Kyle Pitts in Atlanta. Once considered a "generational talent," Pitts has not been given the opportunity to reach the level he has pursued. Looking at the numbers for Pitts, how could all of the money that he is still owed be justified? Does it warrant that kind of payout? 

His less-than-stellar quarterback play, featuring names like Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, and Marcus Mariota, after having Matt Ryan in 2021 for a productive rookie campaign, has not helped matters, to no fault of his own. 

Pitts saw 110 targets in 2021, recording 68 receptions and just over 1,000 yards. His targets dipped in 2022 primarily due to missing several games with injury. The 2023 season saw an increase of 31 targets, placing him at 90 on the year. Then again, by 2024, they had dropped to 74.

Think about this. Almost 35% of Pitts' career receptions came within his rookie season. Extremely unfair, and, to be honest, unacceptable. Pitts deserves at least another year to get things turned around, but he must be used as a security blanket and rack up targets to be successful in Atlanta's offense. 

3. A Non-Existent Pass Rush Has Finally Been Addressed 

By going all unorthodox, Atlanta has bolstered its lack of a pass rush in an instant by drafting Georgia Bulldogs edge rusher Jalon Walker, and then blowing everyone's mind by trading back into the first round to select Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher James Pearce Jr. 

The team gave up a lot of real estate in future drafts to make these selections, and the coming months will determine whether it was all worth it. For now, the Falcons hit home with one of the most successful drafts in recent history, and fans are very optimistic about the upcoming season.