Atlanta Falcons in March 2025: quarterback Drama, Free Agency Moves, and a Push for Relevance

 

Atlanta Falcons in March 2025: quarterback Drama, Free Agency Moves, and a Push for Relevance

March 10, 2025 | 

The Atlanta Falcons are making headlines as the NFL offseason heats up, with quarterback Kirk Cousins’ future dominating the conversation and key roster decisions signaling the team’s direction for 2025. As of March 10, 2025, the Falcons are navigating a pivotal moment—balancing a costly veteran QB, an emerging rookie, and a roster in need of defensive juice. Let’s break down the latest news and what it means for Atlanta.

The Big Story: Kirk Cousins Wants Out—But Will He Get It?

The biggest buzz came last week when Sports Illustrated reported that Cousins, the Falcons’ $180 million quarterback, met with owner Arthur Blank on Wednesday, March 5, to discuss his future. Cousins, benched in December 2024 after a dismal 1-4 stretch (one touchdown, nine interceptions), made it clear: he wants to start in 2025, and Atlanta isn’t the place for it. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick in 2024, has taken the reins, going 1-2 in his final three starts with 737 yards, three touchdowns, and three picks. General Manager Terry Fontenot has doubled down, naming Penix the starter for 2025 at the NFL Combine on February 25 (SI.com).

But here’s the twist: the Falcons aren’t cutting Cousins loose. Daily Mail Online and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported over the weekend that Atlanta has no plans to release him, despite his $40 million cap hit in 2025 and a $10 million roster bonus due March 17. Why? His contract—a four-year, $180 million deal signed in 2024—includes a no-trade clause, giving Cousins leverage. A release would saddle Atlanta with $65 million in dead money pre-June 1, while a trade would still cost $37.5 million in 2025 dead cap (ESPN). Cousins reportedly wants a trade to a contender where he can start, and Sporting News rumors suggest the Las Vegas Raiders, an AFC team desperate for QB stability, are sniffing around.

Posts on X reflect the fanbase’s split: some see Cousins as a sunk cost worth dumping, while others argue his experience could fetch a mid-round pick. Blank’s response—“we’ll do what’s best for the team”—feels like a dodge, leaving the saga unresolved as the new league year nears on March 12.

Free Agency Moves: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

The Falcons have been busy trimming fat and locking in depth. On March 6, they announced a four-year extension for long snapper Liam McCullough (X post from @Damski32), a low-key but smart move to stabilize special teams. More notably, they declined to tender restricted free agents linebacker Nate Landman and cornerback Dee Alford, per SI.com. Landman, who started 23 games over two years, could still return on a cheaper deal—Fox Sports’ Greg Auman notes Atlanta’s openness to that—but his coverage struggles (slow feet, per analysts) make him expendable. Alford’s departure opens a slot in a secondary that ranked 25th in pass defense last year.

Elsewhere, center Drew Dalman, a 2021 fourth-round gem, is set to hit free agency next week. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero predicts a bigger-than-expected payday for Dalman, who missed eight games in 2024 with an ankle injury but anchors a line with three first-rounders. Losing him could sting, especially with Penix needing protection.

Coaching Carousel: Jimmy Lake Lands Softly

Fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake didn’t stay jobless long. On March 6, SI.com reported he’s joined the Los Angeles Rams as a senior defensive assistant. Lake’s 2024 stint in Atlanta was a tale of two halves: a shaky start (25th in total yards pre-bye) gave way to a top-five finish over the final six games (21 sacks, third in the NFL). His exit paved the way for Jeff Ulbrich’s return as DC, but Lake’s quick rebound suggests Atlanta’s midseason defensive surge wasn’t a fluke.

Draft Buzz: Defense in Focus

ESPN’s Dan Graziano hinted on March 2 (X post from 

@Underdog__NFL

) that the Falcons’ early-round draft picks—starting at No. 15—will likely target defense. Mel Kiper’s latest mock (SI.com, February 25) has Atlanta snagging edge rusher Jalon Green, dubbed “one of the hottest names” in the class for his speed and power. With the pass rush ranking 26th in scoring defense last year, Fontenot might even trade down for more capital. Posts on X show fans salivating for a game-changer to “beat Baker” and reclaim the NFC South from Tampa Bay, as Head Coach Raheem Morris vowed in a Cameron Wolfe interview.

Critical Take: What’s the Plan Here?

Let’s cut through the noise. Keeping Cousins as a $40 million backup is bold—borderline reckless—when Penix is the future. Fontenot’s insistence (Atlanta News First) that the team was unaware of Cousins’ late-2024 injuries (elbow, shoulder) raises eyebrows; either communication broke down, or they’re saving face. Trading him makes sense if a desperate team bites—CBSSports.com lists the Titans and Raiders as fits—but the no-trade clause complicates it. Atlanta’s cap is tight, and absorbing dead money to move on might force a leaner free agency.

Defensively, the Falcons are trending up. Lake’s late surge and Ulbrich’s return signal a shift, but they need an edge rusher to pair with Grady Jarrett. Offensively, Penix’s flashes (a rushing TD vs. the Giants) hint at upside, but losing Dalman could stall progress. Morris’ “excitement” over Penix (Wolfe interview) feels genuine, yet the “awkward period” with Cousins looms large.

What’s Next?

The clock’s ticking. If Cousins stays past March 17, that $10 million bonus locks in, shrinking trade odds. Free agency opens March 12, and Dalman’s fate will clarify the O-line picture. The April 24 draft looms as Fontenot’s chance to redefine this roster. For now, Atlanta’s 8-9 finish in 2024—second in the NFC South—feels like a stepping stone, but only if they resolve the QB mess and bolster the trenches.

Final Thoughts

The Falcons are a team in transition, teetering between playoff contention and cap purgatory. Penix offers hope, Cousins offers headaches, and the defense offers promise. Blank’s empire isn’t rebuilding (Sports Mole), but it’s not contending yet either. Stay tuned—this week could shift the narrative big-time.