The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Atlanta Falcons. After missing the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year, the team heads into the 2025 offseason with many of the same problems.
While the Falcons have finally solidified the quarterback position with Michael Penix Jr., the defense continues to struggle to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team finished the season ranked 31st in defensive sacks with 31.
Considering the Falcons only had 10 sacks through the first 11 games, it’s clear the defense picked things up over the second half of the season. However, Atlanta turned in two of its worst defensive performances in the final two games.
With a postseason berth on the line, the Falcons struggled to contain Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels in Week 17 before getting torched by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the finale. This led to the eventual firing of Jimmy Lake as defensive coordinator.
Pro Football Focus highlighted each NFL team’s top priority in 2025. PFF’s recommendation for the Falcons was to “find pass-rush help.”
The Falcons finished this season as a bottom-three team in pass-rush grade, pressure rate and pass-rush win rate. That’s actually worse than they performed in 2023 when they finished 22nd or lower in all three categories. Their highest-graded pass rusher was actually linebacker Kaden Elliss.
They will get 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice back after he suffered a season-ending injury before the season, but they need an infusion of top-end talent. It seems obvious that they should take the top pass rusher on their board in the 2025 draft. — Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus
While Wasserman has a valid point, finding “an infusion of top-end talent” is easier said than done. The Falcons have the No. 15 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Plus, the team may have limited funds in free agency depending on what happens with Kirk Cousins.
Former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie had his best season yet and appears to have a bright future. Veteran Matthew Judon is still arguably the team’s best pass rusher but he’ll be a free agent in 2025 and a return appears unlikely.
Atlanta has 17 defensive players set to hit free agency this offseason. The 2025 league year officially begins on March 12.