Atlanta Falcons News

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Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Kirk Cousins Could Waive His No-Trade Clause

There are a ton of moving parts with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins' situation this offseason, but SI.com's Albert Breer writes that Cousins could waive is no-trade clause after April's NFL draft. Breer believes Cousins wants to avoid the situation he found himself in with the Falcons last year when he was blind-sided by the Falcons' decision to select Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Before accepting any potential trade, the 36-year-old veteran has signaled to interested teams that he wants to wait until after the draft to pick his new team. Breer has heard that Cousins' camp would be amenable to working out the particulars of a trade before the draft on the contingency that a team willing to trade for him wouldn't take a QB in the first round. The Falcons are willing to make Cousins the highest-paid backup in the league, but a trade still seems more likely to happen. The Browns are the most probably landing spot.

2 days ago

Feleipe Franks • TE • Falcons

Feleipe Franks Joins Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks to a one-year contract. The financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed. D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the news. Franks, a former quarterback, signed initially with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent back in 2021 but spent most of his time on the field as a wildcat QB. The 27-year-old was converted to tight end in 2022. However, he did not make an NFL roster the following season. In 2024, the Arkansas alum appeared in 16 games for Carolina, catching one pass for 12 yards on 45 snaps. He'll slot in behind teammates Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner in the team's tight-end pecking order.

5 days ago

Jamal Agnew • WR • Falcons

Falcons Agree With Jamal Agnew On One-Year Deal

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/kick returner Jamal Agnew on Thursday on a one-year deal worth a maximum of $2.5 million, a source tells NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Agnew spent last year on the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad as he recovered from a broken leg that he suffered late in the 2023 season, but he's now fully healthy. The 29-year-old former fifth-rounder (165th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2017 out of the University of San Diego was a Pro Bowl returner in 2022 with the Jaguars, but he's unlikely to move the needle much on offense in Atlanta, where he'll serve as receiving depth behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III, among others. Agnew was more involved on offense in his three years in Duval, but he still had only 61 catches for 641 yards and five touchdowns on 90 targets from 2021-23.

5 days ago

Jordan Fuller • S • Falcons

Falcons Adding Safety Jordan Fuller

The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 2020 sixth-round pick out of Ohio State spent the first five seasons of his career with Los Angeles before a one-year stint in Carolina. Overall, the 27-year-old has piled up 333 tackles (203 solo), five forced fumbles, seven interceptions, and 18 pass deflections in 57 career games. Fuller is poised to start opposite All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, and it appears the team will not be bringing back Justin Simmons for the 2025 campaign.

6 days ago

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons |

Will Levis • QB • Titans

Kirk Cousins, Will Levis On The Trade Block?

A league source told Josina Anderson that both Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis came up in recent preliminary trade inquiries or internal discussions. "Atlanta has been getting calls," the league source said, while also saying, "the Titans would like to transition." The Falcons continue to say they're willing to pay Cousins top money to serve as their backup in 2025, and they even kept him past last Saturday's $10 million guarantee deadline. However, Cousins doesn't want to be a backup, and Atlanta could give in if they get the right return, although they'd probably have to eat some money, too. The Titans are clearly ready to move on from Levis, who was benched last year, but it remains to be seen what kind of trade market he'd even have. It's looking a lot more likely that the Titans may hang onto the No. 1 overall pick and take Miami QB Cam Ward.

7 days ago

Keith Taylor • CB • Falcons

Keith Taylor Signs With Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Keith Taylor on an undisclosed contract. Taylor spent the last two seasons with Kansas City after being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old notched five tackles in 11 appearances with the Chiefs in 2024. However, Taylor took only 11% of the team's defensive snaps and 47% of the special teams variety. The Washington product had more defensive experience with the Panthers during his stint in Carolina, recording 67 tackles (one for a loss) and six pass breakups in 34 games. He's likely to serve as depth for the organization behind A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes.

Mar 16

Storm Norton • OL • Falcons

Storm Norton Back With Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed offensive lineman Storm Norton to an undisclosed deal. Norton is entering his seventh season in the league and third with Atlanta. The Falcons signed the 30-year-old off the New Orleans Saints practice squad in September of 2023, and he'd go on to appear in 31 games over the following two seasons (four starts). The former undrafted free agent played 11% of Atlanta's offensive snaps in 2024 and 18% of their special teams snaps, though he did start for the team in Week 4 against the Saints instead of tackle Kaleb McGary, who was benched with a knee injury. The Falcons have returned all but one starter from a season ago (center Drew Dalman), so Norton projects to continue serving as a depth piece for the team.

Mar 16

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Kirk Cousins Set To Receive Roster Bonus

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will remain on the roster on Saturday past 4 p.m. ET, solidifying his $10 million roster bonus for March of 2026. Pelissero also notes that if Cousins is eventually traded or released, Atlanta's obligation is subject to offsets. Cousins started 14 games for the Falcons in 2024, though he woefully underperformed, racking up an 18:16 TD:INT ratio before getting benched for rookie signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16. It's a strange move for the team, as it would seemingly behoove them more to trade the 36-year-old, especially considering he's made it clear that he prefers to start rather than ride the bench. With that said, you can't fault Atlanta, as Cousins would be one of the more competent backups in the league.

Mar 15

Morgan Fox • DL • Falcons

Falcons Agree To Terms With Morgan Fox

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $8.5 million with former Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox on Friday, according to his agency, the Aura Sports Group. Cox had 15.5 sacks the last three seasons and will be a notable addition to a Falcons defensive line that really struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2024. The 30-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Colorado State-Pueblo has 27.5 career sacks and 183 tackles (120) solo in his eight NFL seasons with the Chargers, Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers. Fox is a quality rotational pass-rusher that will add a boost for the Falcons moving forward along another new addition in Leonard Floyd, who Atlanta also signed this week in free agency. Both Fox and Floyd will be trying to make up for the loss of Pro Bowl defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.

Mar 15

Leonard Floyd • DE • Falcons

Falcons Signing Leonard Floyd To $10 Million Deal

The Atlanta Falcons are signing former San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Leonard Floyd on Tuesday to a one-year deal worth $10 million, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. After being released by the 49ers on Tuesday, Floyd will come home, as he went to the University of Georgia and is a Chauncey, Georgia, native. The 32-year-old veteran joins a Falcons team that is in desperate need of a pass rush after they ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks in 2024. Floyd, the former ninth overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016, has at least 8.5 sacks in each of the last five seasons, including double-digit sacks twice. He has also played in at least 16 games in each year since 2018. Over the last five seasons, Floyd has totaled 48 sacks in 84 games (83 starts), so it's a big addition to Atlanta's D-line. In his lone season in San Fran in 2024, Floyd had 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss in 17 starts.

Mar 11

Jake Matthews • OT • Falcons

Jake Matthews Extended By Atlanta

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a two-year, $45 million extension with left tackle Jake Matthews. The 33-year-old will get $38 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, and he's now set up to play his 12h and 13th seasons with the team after being selected sixth overall by the Falcons in the 2014 NFL Draft. The epitome of durability, Matthews has missed just one game (back in his debut season) in his entire 11-year career. It's a smart move by Atlanta, who has secured the front side of their young quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., for at least the next two seasons. The Falcons still have some moves to make before they're a formidable opponent, but protecting their second-year signal-caller is undoubtedly a prime concern.

Mar 10

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Falcons Don't Plan To Release Kirk Cousins

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports that the Atlanta Falcons don't intend to release quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 36-year-old, who signed a four-year $180 million deal with the Falcons last offseason, had a lackluster year while recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2023. With Cousins' inconsistent play deteriorating in the back half of the season, the team eventually turned to rookie gunslinger Michael Penix after a stretch of four weeks in which the veteran racked up eight interceptions and no touchdowns. It's worth noting that the Michigan State alum plans to continue his career in 2025, whether that is with the Falcons or not. However, a no-trade clause in his contract adds an extra layer of difficulty to the situation. Currently, it appears Cousins could spend his fourteenth season in the league in a backup role. He won't be on the fantasy radar if that's the case.

Mar 8

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Teams Being Told Falcons Won't Trade Kirk Cousins

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that teams that have been interested in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins around the league have been told that the Atlanta Falcons won't move him. Per SI.com's Albert Breer, Cousins asked for and was granted a meeting with owner Arthur Blank on Wednesday to discuss his future, according to sources. The 36-year-old wants to go somewhere where he can start in 2025, but Falcons brass has said they will do what's best for the team at the position. The Falcons have held firm on their stance that they are comfortable keeping Cousins as the most expensive backup in the league this year after he threw 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024 and was benched in favor of first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. It's hard to envision Cousins sticking around as a backup after signing a four-year, $180 million deal last year. He could request a trade after April's draft. Stay tuned.

Mar 8

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Kirk Cousins Makes A Lot Of Sense For Browns

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins makes the most sense for the Cleveland Browns to pursue this offseason, assuming the Falcons aren't serious about making him the most expensive backup in the league and eventually cut him, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt. The main reason it makes sense is that head coach Kevin Stefanski was Cousins' QBs coach and offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings for a couple years. Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, but it was his first year coming off an Achilles tear. The 36-year-old is in decline but would make for a perfect, cheap bridge signal-caller if the Browns take Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders with the No. 2 overall pick, or if they wait and take someone like Jalen Milroe later in the draft.

Mar 7

Nate Landman • ILB • Falcons

Nate Landman Won't Receive Tender Offer From Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will not tender an offer to restricted free-agent linebacker Nate Landman, who has 191 tackles in 23 starts over the last two years, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. While the 26-year-old could return to Atlanta on a lesser deal, he will now become an unrestricted free agent next week. The former undrafted free agent out of the University of Colorado should have a decent market in free agency after posting 81 tackles (39 solo) and three forced fumbles in only 13 games (nine starts) in his third year in the league. 2023 was his best year, though, when he finished with a career-high 110 tackles (66 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, his only career interception and three forced fumbles in 16 games (14 starts). Wherever Landman lands for the 2025 season, he'll provide valuable linebacker depth.

Mar 6

Dee Alford • CB • Falcons

Cornerback Dee Alford Will Hit The Open Market

The Atlanta Falcons will not tender restricted free-agent cornerback Dee Alford, meaning he will hit the open free-agent market when it begins on March 12. Alford joined the Falcons in 2022 after two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League and has played in 48 games with the organization. Overall, the 27-year-old has racked up 104 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, and 24 passes defended. Alford should draw interest on the open market in a league that requires defensive-back depth.

Mar 6

Drew Dalman • OL • Falcons

Falcons Prepared To Lose Drew Dalman In Free Agency

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that the Atlanta Falcons are prepared to lose center Drew Dalman in free agency this offseason. Ideally, Atlanta would love to re-sign him, but Dalman will likely get offered more on the open market, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler saying Dalman will easily top the free-agent market at the position. Meanwhile, the Falcon will tender restricted free-agent center Ryan Neuzil, who will end up replacing Dalman. It remains to be seen if Dalman will top Creed Humphrey's four-year, $72 million deal, but either way, he's going to do pretty well for himself. In addition to Dalman, Fowler notes that Green Bay Packers impending center Josh Myers should have a strong market in free agency after avoiding what looked like a potential serious injury in the playoffs.

Mar 5

Kyle Pitts • TE • Falcons

Falcons Still Looking To Get The Most Out Of Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was selected fourth overall in 2021 and had 1,026 receiving yards in his first year in the NFL, but since then, he's been an enigma and has left fantasy managers and the Falcons wanting more. He finished last year as the team's fifth-leading receiver with 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns, and since entering the league, Pitts is fifth among all TEs in receiving yards (2,651) and 23rd in touchdowns (10). "He's shown some spurts of greatness, and he's shown some things that (make you) desire more. We'll try to get the best out of him at all times. That's our job as coaches," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 24-year-old will be making $10.87 million on his fifth-year option in 2025, and all signs point to this being his final year in Atlanta unless he can improve his production. In fantasy, he'll come cheap as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 after yet another disappointing season.

Mar 5

Grady Jarrett • DL • Falcons

Grady Jarrett Not A Lock To Return In 2025

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot stopped short of saying that veteran defensive end Grady Jarrett would definitely be back with the team in 2025. Jarrett, David Onyemata and Eddie Goldman -- the three defensive linemen who played the most defensive snaps last year -- will all be 31 or 32 in 2025, which is why The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes the Falcons need to get younger on the D-line. Jarrett is heading into the final season of a three-year extension he signed in 2022. He will count $20.37 million against the 2025 salary cap, but the Falcons would only have a $4.1 million dead-cap hit if they cut him while saving $16.2 million on the cap. With the Falcons $5.3 million over the cap, they will surely be moving on from some veterans. Jarrett has meant a lot to the Falcons and has become the face of the franchise, but he had only 2.5 sacks and 12 QB hits in 2024.

Mar 5

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Best Option For Falcons Is To Trade Kirk Cousins

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that trading quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 is the best course of action for the Atlanta Falcons from a salary cap standpoint. However, it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 and $10 million next year after Cousins was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024. The Falcons would absorb $37.5 million in dead money on their 2025 camp if they trade him. If they release him outright before March 17, they'd take on $65 million in dead money this year. If they release him before March 17 as a post-June 1 cut, they'd take on $40 million in dead money this year and $25 million in 2026. The 36-year-old didn't look great coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also dealt with a right-shoulder injury in 2024. It remains to be seen if a QB-needy team will be desperate enough to trade for Cousins.

Feb 27

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