Atlanta Falcons Roster
- NFC South
- Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Head Coach
- Arthur Smith
- Offensive Coordinator
- Dave Ragone
- Defensive Coordinator
- Ryan Nielsen
- Special Teams Coach
- Marquice Williams
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to host veteran free-agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell on a free-agent visit this week, according to sources. Campbell was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens, who have kept the door open for a potential return. The 15-year veteran had 65 solo tackles, 11 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 36 QB hits, nine passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 41 games (40 starts) in the last three seasons for the Ravens. The 36-year-old six-time Pro Bowler is no longer in the prime of his career and will probably only play one more season in the NFL, but he'll bring valuable experience to the defensive line with whichever organization he joins in 2023.
Free-agent cornerback Mike Hughes finalized an undisclosed two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, according to a source. The former first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 is now heading to the NFC South after spending the 2022 campaign playing for the Detroit Lions. In 16 games (six starts) last year, he had a career-high 51 tackles (35 solo) and a pass defensed. The 26-year-old will offer the Falcons some valuable versatility as a defensive back that has experience both on the outside and inside in the slot. In his five NFL seasons to this point, Hughes has recorded 178 tackles (142 solo), five tackles for loss, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 20 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (one for a TD) in 57 games (18 starts).
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke said that his mindset is to be "the best backup I can be to Desmond Ridder." The Falcons were clear that Heinicke would be the backup when they signed him in free agency this week. "They drafted (Ridder) high for a reason," Heinicke said. The 30-year-old Heinicke signed for two years and $14 million with $6.32 million guaranteed, so he's one of the better-paid backup signal-callers in the league. Ridder was a third-round selection last year and made four starts in his rookie season, throwing for only 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions on 115 passing attempts. He'll enter Week 1 as their starter, but the 23-year-old may need to play well to hold off Heinicke.
The Atlanta Falcons re-signed offensive tackle Kaleb McGary to a three-year, $34.5 million deal on Tuesday, according to a source. McGary will return to the Falcons after the team declined his fifth-year option last year. In a contract year in 2022, the former first-round pick lived up to his potential as a run-blocker for the Falcons. The 28-year-old will continue to be relied on as a run-blocker, and he's been very durable in his four years in the league, playing a total of 63 games, starting 62 of them.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million on Tuesday, according to a source. The Falcons already have Desmond Ridder as their starter, but Heinicke receive top-end backup money with plenty of starting experience in his time in D.C. Atlanta let Marcus Mariota go after the 2022 season, so the 29-year-old Heinicke will replace him in the QB room in 2023. Heinicke is an Atlanta native and could also push Ridder for the starting job during the season if he struggles to perform. Over the last two years in Washington, Heinicke played in 25 games (24 starts) and completed 64 percent of his passes for 5,278 yards, 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
