Notes to know about UFAs
— TE Kyle Pitts is a candidate for the franchise tag in 2026, an option for the franchise to essentially tender him for a year while they figure out is a long-term extension can be met without the pressure of Pitts going to the open market. Per Spotrac, the franchise tag cost for a tight end is just north of $16 million this offseason. As a franchise, the Falcons have only used a franchise tag on three individuals: punter Michael Koenen (2009), cornerback Brent Grimes (2012) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (2019). The Falcons have until March 3 to make a decision about whether or not to extend the tag to Pitts.
— A number of top contributors from the last few years could find themselves on the open market come the start of the new league year. Two names to really hone in on could be RB Tyler Allgeier and ILB Kaden Elliss. Allgeier hit the 1,000 rushing yard mark his rookie year. By Year 2, Bijan Robinson entered the fold. Still, Allgeier has been a tough and trusted rusher for Atlanta’s backfield. The decision on Allgeier’s future with the club could have ripple effects into moves the Falcons would have to make to backfill him either via the draft or free agency. On the opposite side of the ball is Elliss, who’s impact and versatility has been felt since his first day with the organization. Just this past year, Elliss finished second in the league among linebackers with 30 pressures and was one of two players in the NFL (Tyrel Dodson) with 100-plus tackles, 10-plus tackles for loss, 3.5-plus sacks and an interception in 2025. He has been a core piece of Atlanta’s defense.
— The Falcons’ kicking game was a major topic of discussion throughout the 2025 season, with the organization looking to three separate men for the job. Of the three, the one that stuck was K Zane Gonzalez, who finished the season for Atlanta and ending up earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors to close out the 2025 season. The Falcons could see value in bringing him back in 2026, as well as P Bradley Pinion, too. The latter of which led the NFL in punts placed inside the 20 this season. Another special teams contributor who the Falcons could consider is ILB Josh Woods. Though his role was limited as a linebacker, Woods did some good things for the Falcons on special teams when healthy. He also is someone defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has said is a player who he feels a connection to because of the heart of which he plays with, making him a good candidate to remain in the locker room for depth purposes, too.