The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2025 NFL offseason without much salary cap space. This lack of funds forced the team to let some key players walk in free agency. Former Falcons center Drew Dalman signed with the Chicago Bears and was just named to his first career Pro Bowl on Tuesday.

Linebacker Nate Landman was not re-signed by Atlanta either. The former undrafted free agent landed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Landman played so well over the first half of the season that the Rams gave him a three-year extension.

While letting Dalman and Landman sign elsewhere may have seemed like a mistake, the team found productive replacements in free agency. Former backup center Ryan Neuzil replaced Dalman and has held his own thus far. Neuzil didn’t make the Pro Bowl but he is making a fraction of what Dalman got from Chicago.

Plus, the Falcons found a free-agent gem of their own while replacing Landman. Linebacker Divine Deablo signed a two-year, $14 million contract with Atlanta and has blossomed into one of the team’s best defensive players.

Deablo, Dalman and Landman each landed on Pro Football Focus‘ list of the top 20 free-agent signings from the 2025 NFL offseason.

PFF on Falcons LB Divine Deablo:

The Falcons’ 2025 campaign quickly took a wayward turn, leaving lingering doubts about the organization’s leadership going into 2026. Still, Atlanta’s defense has taken steps forward under Jeff Ulbrich — highlighted by Deablo. The former Raider was an unsung addition, but has played like one of the league’s better linebackers this season. Deablo’s 76.9 overall PFF grade is the sixth-best at the position, and his 78.7 PFF coverage grade is second. Additionally, the 27-year-old has missed just 9.2% of his tackle attempts. Atlanta’s defense still needs additional help — likely along the defensive line and in coverage — but Deablo looks like a keeper in the box. — Bradley Locker, PFF

Fans had their doubts about Deablo’s signing at the time, but he quickly established himself as a leader on Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. Deablo looks to have a bright future, but so does Landman in Los Angeles.

PFF on Rams LB Nate Landman:

While the team’s defensive line is particularly ferocious, positive plays from those like Landman have also been instrumental. Landman was an unheralded signing from the Falcons but has performed like an above-average linebacker in Los Angeles. His 73.7 overall PFF grade is 18th among qualifiers, and his 79.4 PFF run-defense grade is 16th in that same group. Landman also places in the 81st percentile in PFF coverage grade (67.4) and in the 90th percentile in run stop rate (9.2%). The Rams were so impressed with Landman that they bestowed a three-year, $22.5 million extension upon him in late November. He’s definitely helped shore up what had previously been a shakier portion of Chris Shula’s defense. — Bradley Locker, PFF

The Bears signed Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract in free agency and the Falcons had no chance to match. Dalman has helped Chicago ascend to the top of the NFC North by solidifying the middle of the Bears offensive line.

PFF on Bears C Drew Dalman:

The Bears have been one of the darlings of the NFL, and for good reason. Head coach Ben Johnson has guided a marvelous turnaround for NFC North-leading Chicago, and his revamped offensive personnel has been a catalyst. That includes Dalman in the middle. The ex-Falcon has played like one of the better centers in the league in his first year working with Caleb Williams. Dalman’s 78.4 overall PFF grade is sixth among qualified centers, and he’s one of four at the position with a 71.0-plus PFF pass- and run-blocking mark. Additionally, his 0.39 WAR is third among his counterparts. — Bradley Locker, PFF

The Falcons have some even bigger names coming up in free agency in the 2026 offseason. Tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Tyler Allgeier and linebacker Kaden Elliss will all be seeking new contracts in the offseason. Check out the full list of free agents HERE.