Four Under-the-Radar Free Agency Decisions for the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons face several key offseason decisions beyond their star players.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are in the early stages of the 2026 offseason and have several major decisions to make, including about standout players like tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., linebacker Kaden Elliss, and free agency additions at wide receiver or defensive line. However, there are also some under-the-radar decisions the team must get right, such as the kicker position, re-signing cornerback Dee Alford, addressing special teams, and adding depth at tight end.

Why it matters

The Falcons' kicking issues in 2025 cost them a shot at the playoffs, so solidifying that position is crucial. Alford had a breakout year and provides valuable secondary depth. Special teams have become more important with kickoff rule changes, and the Falcons need to find a reliable returner. Tight end depth is also key as the position evolves in the NFL.

The details

At kicker, the Falcons turned to Zane Gonzalez in Week 10 last season and he performed well, connecting on 19-of-22 field goals and 17-of-18 extra points. However, his performance has fluctuated annually, so the team may need to find insurance or another option. Cornerback Dee Alford had a breakout year, stepping in due to injuries, and the Falcons would be wise to try to re-sign him. The Falcons' return game was the worst in the NFL, and they could target free agents like Rasheed Shaheed or Devin Duvernay to improve it. With only Charlie Woerner and Joshua Simon at tight end, the Falcons could look to add more depth at the position.

  • In 2025, the Falcons' kicking issues cost them a shot at the playoffs.
  • Zane Gonzalez joined the Falcons in Week 10 of the 2025 season.

The players

Zane Gonzalez

A journeyman kicker who joined the Falcons in 2025 and performed well, connecting on 19-of-22 field goals and 17-of-18 extra points.

Dee Alford

A cornerback who had a breakout campaign in 2025 after a disastrous 2024, stepping in due to injuries and accounting for 67 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 13 passes defended, and three interceptions.

Rasheed Shaheed

A free agent wide receiver and returner who could help improve the Falcons' struggling return game.

Devin Duvernay

A free agent wide receiver and returner who could help improve the Falcons' struggling return game.

Kyle Pitts Sr.

The Falcons' star tight end whose future is a key offseason decision for the team.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he did a really good job coming back in, kind of steadying everything down. I want a guy that's confident. A guy that's going to go out there, it doesn't matter if it's in the first quarter or in the fourth quarter, where he's kicking a game-winning field goal. I want a guy that's going to have total confidence in himself.”

— Craig Aukerman, New special teams coordinator (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.