A new era means a new Falcons free agency wish list

For the first time in several years, the Falcons have more pressing offensive than defensive needs. Some of it is due to the unfortunate circumstances at the sport’s most important position. Some of it can be attributed to the remarkable defensive ascendance. While the defense could use multiple additions to solidify Jeff Ulbrich’s group toward taking the next pivotal step in its trajectory, how Kevin Stefanski shapes the outlook of the passing game will be most fascinating during free agency.

The free agency wish list has been one of my yearly traditions for nearly a decade. Some accurate predictions have been made. It started with a nice call on Derrick Shelby in 2016, followed by more predictable judgments on Jessie Bates and David Onyemata. The most memorable prediction I have made came in 2024 with Darnell Mooney. 

This wish list is constructed of ten players who could bolster five of the biggest needs on the roster. Edge rusher was given some consideration following James Pearce Jr.’s transgressions. It feels highly unlikely the front office would make another major investment at the position after what the previous regime did in the first round of last year’s draft. That is why it was left off the list. There are other positions where it’s realistic to see the new regime make notable signings.

Quarterback

Potential Game Changer: Geno Smith

Given how much Malik Willis is expected to command on the open market, the Falcons are going to be priced out of pursuing him. That leaves them with veteran options who can provide stability in a position of uncertainty. Watching Smith last season would raise serious eyebrows based on his overall numbers and decision-making.

Still, it’s hard to find a team that was more poorly coached last season than the Raiders. No quarterback could have functioned behind such a talent-deficient offensive line and Chip Kelly’s incoherent system.

Smith isn’t far removed from playing at a top-ten caliber level in Seattle. His poise operating in collapsed pockets, accuracy throwing outside the numbers, and confidence to push the ball aggressively downfield offer plenty of excitement. Some of those attributes can lead to turnovers where he forces the ball into throwing windows that don’t exist. Despite those frustrations, Smith will get the ball to his playmakers and never lose self-belief in his ability to make a difference. He would be the best realistic fit to fill in for, or even challenge Michael Penix Jr., if the coaching staff believes there should be an open competition.

Solid Alternative: Marcus Mariota

Unexpected reunions can happen when they’re least anticipated. Envisioning Mariota playing in Atlanta again after how poorly he took being benched during the 2022 season seems inconceivable. With all the organizational changes that have transpired since then, there shouldn’t be any lingering animosity. The focus must be on finding a capable quarterback who can back up or possibly compete with Penix Jr. Mariota clearly wouldn’t be signed to compete for the starting role. That said, he has proven to be one of the better backups during his recent seasons in Washington.

His athleticism still poses problems for opponents, including Ulbrich’s defense when they squared off early in the 2025 season. Stefanski has plenty of experience working with dual-threat quarterbacks who can thrive when asked to run under-center play action. The quarterback market in free agency rarely provides many attractive options. While Mariota eventually crumbled as a starter in Atlanta, there has been enough from him since then that he can be a viable backup and fill in for a few games if needed. It would be something if the first quarterback to replace Matt Ryan as the opening day starter ends up being the opening day starter for the legendary quarterback’s first year as the franchise’s President of Football.

Wide Receiver

Potential Game Changer: Wan’Dale Robinson

Besides the glaring need for a capable, experienced quarterback, the offense desperately needs more juice from the wide receiver group. One of the roots of Raheem Morris’ downfall was his mishandling of the unit, from personnel decisions to a lack of urgency in acquiring talent. They need players who can create separation and stretch defenses, especially with Darnell Mooney’s uncertain future. Robinson would bolster the aerial attack with his unique skill set and ability to make plays after the catch.

While he is more accustomed to being a short-to-intermediate threat, the multi-dimensional wide receiver has proven to be a downfield threat, accelerating past defensive backs. For him to be the third receiving option in a more well-rounded group could help maximize his capabilities as a playmaker. The Giants would force-feed screens and other quick-designed plays. That’s something Tommy Rees won’t have to replicate from his array of playmakers. Moving Robinson across formations and pinpointing mismatches for him to exploit are ways their new number two wide receiver becomes a nightmare to contain, as Drake London and Kyle Pitts attract the majority of the attention.

Solid Alternative: Christian Kirk

If other positional needs are given greater investment, the front office should remain aggressive in pursuing a separator with strong hands and route-running ability. Kirk possesses those qualities as a steady playmaker who can deliver in prime moments. He was outstanding in the Texans’ playoff win over Pittsburgh with eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown. What he offers in the slot could be welcome on a team without a true option in that particular spot.

While injuries have plagued him over the last three seasons, he can be a valuable security blanket for a passing game that severely lacks that type of player. Converting third downs proved challenging all season for the Falcons. Not having a wide receiver outside of London who can consistently make catches in tight areas greatly affected them in obvious passing situations on third down. Kirk would provide much-needed relief in taking the onus off the two star pass catchers. Although he doesn’t possess breakaway speed, defenses will have to account for his ability to get open and positional versatility.

Center

Potential Difference Maker: Connor McGovern 

Watching the Bills impose their will on the ground against most defensive fronts generated intrigue about their offensive line. It’s not a group filled with Pro Bowl accolades outside of stalwart left tackle Dion Dawkins. The unit is built on discipline, cohesiveness, and athleticism. McGovern was at the forefront of their success, from making blocks at the second level to keeping their protection plans organized. How the Bills were able to gain countless chunk plays on the ground, where James Cook was gaining four to six yards before contact, is a testament to how dominant they were at times.

As well as Ryan Neuzil played in certain games, the Falcons endured long stretches of struggling to run the ball consistently and convert in short-yardage situations. There were also far too many occasions where unblocked rushers would burst into the pocket. Neuzil would have mental lapses in pass protection, while failing to make blocks on the second level due to his physical limitations. If Stefanski wants to provide a jolt to an offensive line in need of some refreshment, McGovern is the center to sign. What he can do as a run blocker would make a notable difference. His dependability as a pass protector must be valued following a season where he didn’t allow a sack. per Pro Football Focus. 

Intriguing Alternative: Cade Mays

Reuniting Ethan Pocic with Stefanski would have been a sensible move if the veteran was healthy. Unfortunately, his status going into next season is in doubt after suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon in December. Recovering from that injury is always difficult. Being 30 years old after being a starter since 2020 raises major concerns about him getting back to playing at the high level he was playing at during some of Stefanski’s best years in Cleveland.

That leaves the front office with someone who enjoyed plenty of success against the Falcons last season. Mays stepped in admirably for an injury-plagued Panthers’ offensive line, where he quickly earned the coaching staff’s trust to become the starting center by October. Mays plays with a nasty edge, who can be devastating on combo blocks and effectively climb to the second level. 2025 was the first time he played more than 495 snaps in a season. There is still uncertainty about how good he truly is, but his lack of starting experience could allow the coaching staff to have an open training camp battle between him and Neuzil to see who should be the starter.

Defensive Tackle

Potential Difference Maker: D.J. Reader

This is one of the few positions where spending considerable money on a player over 30 years old is understandable. The top interior run-plugging nose tackles normally age well. Reader has established himself as one of the better players at the position over the last several years. Being at the heart of a stout run defense in Detroit shows that he has plenty left in the tank after injuries began to derail his time in Cincinnati. His two-gapping ability to command double teams and create space for the players around him to close on ball carriers is hugely valuable, particularly for an undersized group filled with penetrators.

Pairing Reader with the likes of Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison can create better matchups for them to get into the backfield. The veteran nose tackle’s presence may help bring the best out of Ruke Orhorhoro, who took on far too many double teams for a player of his stature and ability. Every defensive line needs at least one veteran who is playing significant snaps. With Onyemata and Leonard Floyd likely moving on elsewhere, they need to acquire a battle-tested player with playoff experience who provides size up front. Reader is exactly that at a critical position.

Solid Alternative: Khyiris Tonga

One of the unsung heroes in a defense that massively overachieved, the relentless nose tackle should attract plenty of interest following his terrific season. Tonga generates serious push with his sheer power. What also stands out in his game is his consistently good pad level when moving interior offensive linemen off their spot. His tremendous motor helped him become a fan favorite in New England, where teams were often forced into passing situations in later downs when he was on the field.

Recent reports revealed contract talks have broken down between the Patriots and him. That will excite teams who can use a violent nose tackle with a nasty streak. As much as Ulbrich’s unit is severely lacking in size up front, they are also lacking a tone setter who could be a genuine disruptor and nuisance for opponents on running downs. Tonga would be a welcoming addition to the base defense alignment. There is also the exciting possibility of him lining up at fullback after how much he embraced the unexpected role.

Cornerback

Potential Difference Maker: Jaylen Watson

One of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal Chiefs’ season, Watson should command plenty of interest. His sheer size and urgency to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage to disrupt their route make him a nuisance for opposing offenses. Being a consistent open-field tackler also frustrates skill position players, knowing they will need to do something spectacular to gain yards after contact with him swarming in. Watson spoke highly of Kansas City, but the franchise’s current cap space conundrum could make it improbable for them to make a genuine offer to re-sign him.

Signing a quality outside corner could help the Falcons’ defense ascend to the next level. Mike Hughes has performed valiantly as the starter for the last two seasons, but he isn’t someone who can be relied upon for the long-term. Adding Watson would be a statement signing in having the drive to build off last season’s defensive success. Bleacher Report’s free agency big board ranks him as the 11th-best impending available player. Although it’s not a position in total desperate need of upgrading, signing a big cornerback entering his prime could do wonders for a secondary that possesses plenty of talent but needs more consistent man coverage on the outside.

Intriguing Alternative: Asante Samuel Jr.

This would be a worthwhile gamble if the front office doesn’t want to add another high-priced player within the secondary. Samuel Jr. was emerging into one of the better corners in the league in 2023. A severe chronic shoulder and neck issue derailed his progression over the last two seasons. After clearing the necessary medical requirements to get back on the field, he proved to be a capable contributor for the Steelers.

Expecting a player who hasn’t played much football since 2023 to be the immediate default starter wouldn’t be sensible. Samuel Jr. would have to show he is ready to compete in an open battle. He possesses the tools to build on the seven encouraging games from last season. It’s a matter of being able to stay on the field and playing with that aggression that made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Considering how beloved his dad was in Atlanta for reading quarterbacks’ eyes and baiting them into regrettable throws, it would be special to see him make plays like this.