The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Atlanta Falcons. After missing the playoffs for the seventh straight season, the team enters the 2025 offseason with many of the same issues.
While the Falcons have finally solidified their quarterback position Michael Penix Jr., the defense continues to have difficulty putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team finished the season ranked 31st with 31 defensive sacks.
Considering the Falcons only had 10 sacks in the first 11 games, it's clear the defense made strides in the second half of the season. However, Atlanta has had two of its worst defensive performances in the last two games.
With a postseason berth on the line, the Falcons struggled to contain Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels in Week 17 before being put in their place by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the finale. This ultimately led to the dismissal of Jimmy Lake as defensive coordinator.
Pro Football Focus highlighted each NFL team top priority in 2025. PFF's recommendation for the Falcons was to “find pass rush help.”
The Falcons finished in the bottom three in pass rush rating, pressure percentage and pass rush win percentage as a team this season. That's actually worse than in 2023, when they finished 22nd or worse in all three categories. Their highest-rated pass rusher was actually linebacker Kaden Elliss.
They'll 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 talent. It seems obvious that they should have the top pass rusher on their board in the 2025 draft. — Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus
While Wasserman is right, finding “a lot of top talent” is easier said than done. The Falcons have the No. 15 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Additionally, the team may have limited free agency depending on what happens 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 will be a free agent in 2025 and a return seems unlikely.
Atlanta has 17 defensive players is expected to hit free agency this offseason. The 2025 league year officially begins on March 12th.
