Atlanta Falcons Busy in Free Agency After Disappointing 2025 Season

New leadership and key additions at QB, TE, and defense highlight Falcons' offseason moves

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:30pm

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The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, tying for the best mark in the NFC South but missing the playoffs for the eighth straight year. In the aftermath, the team fired General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris, bringing in former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as the new President of Football Operations. Ryan hired Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach and Ian Cunningham as the new general manager. The Falcons were active in free agency, most notably signing former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the expected release of veteran Kirk Cousins. They also placed the franchise tag on star tight end Kyle Pitts and added several other new faces on both offense and defense.

Why it matters

The Falcons' moves this offseason signal a clear shift in direction for the franchise after eight consecutive losing seasons. The hiring of Ryan, Stefanski, and Cunningham represents a new leadership team tasked with turning the team around and ending its playoff drought. The additions of Tagovailoa, Pitts, and other key free agents aim to bolster the roster and provide the Falcons a better chance of competing in the competitive NFC South division.

The details

The Falcons' most notable free agent signing was bringing in former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after Miami released him. With uncertainty around young passer Michael Penix's recovery from an ACL tear, Tagovailoa provides an experienced option at QB. Atlanta also placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, locking up the 2021 fourth overall pick who is coming off a career year. On defense, the team signed edge rushers Cam Thomas and Azeez Ojulari to one-year deals to help replace the uncertain status of James Pearce. The Falcons also lost several key contributors in free agency, including linebacker Kaden Elliss, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and running back Tyler Allgeier.

  • The Falcons fired GM Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris immediately after the 2025 season ended on January 4.
  • Matt Ryan was hired as the new President of Football Operations on January 5.
  • Kevin Stefanski was hired as the new Head Coach and Ian Cunningham as the new GM on January 12.
  • The Falcons placed the franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts before the start of free agency.
  • The Falcons signed QB Tua Tagovailoa, K Nick Folk, and P Jake Bailey in the first week of free agency.

The players

Matt Ryan

Former Falcons quarterback and NFL MVP who was hired as the new President of Football Operations.

Kevin Stefanski

Newly hired Head Coach of the Falcons, previously the Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Ian Cunningham

Newly hired General Manager of the Falcons, previously the Assistant GM of the Chicago Bears.

Tua Tagovailoa

Veteran quarterback who was signed by the Falcons after being released by the Miami Dolphins.

Kyle Pitts

Star tight end who the Falcons placed the franchise tag on, coming off a career year in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.