With the leadership team of Matt Ryan, Ian Cunningham, and Kevin Stefanski now established at the Atlanta Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch, the organization is preparing for a busy offseason. Cunningham will oversee upcoming draft meetings and work with Ryan, Stefanski, and other staff to address decisions regarding the team’s impending free agents.
The NFL’s free agency period features several key dates. Teams can use the franchise or transition tag on players until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. From March 9 to 11, teams may negotiate contracts with certified agents representing players who are set to become unrestricted free agents when their current deals expire. The new league year begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, after which teams can officially sign free agents and make trades.
According to Spotrac data referenced by the Falcons, there are currently 19 impending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), five restricted free agents (RFAs), and four exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs) on the roster.
Among UFAs—players with four or more accrued seasons whose contracts have expired—tight end Kyle Pitts stands out as a candidate for the franchise tag in 2026. This move would keep him under contract for one more year while both sides consider a long-term extension. Spotrac reports that this season’s franchise tag cost for a tight end is just over $16 million. Historically, Atlanta has used its franchise tag only three times: punter Michael Koenen in 2009, cornerback Brent Grimes in 2012, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in 2019.
Other notable UFAs include running back Tyler Allgeier and inside linebacker Kaden Elliss. Allgeier reached over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie before sharing duties with Bijan Robinson but remains an important part of Atlanta’s backfield rotation. Decisions about his future could influence whether the Falcons seek replacements through either the draft or further free agency moves.
On defense, Kaden Elliss has been recognized for his versatility since joining Atlanta. Last season he ranked second among NFL linebackers with 30 pressures and was one of only two league players to record at least 100 tackles, ten tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, and an interception during the campaign.
Special teams also remain an area of focus after changes throughout last season. Kicker Zane Gonzalez finished out the year for Atlanta and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors late in the season; he may be considered for return alongside punter Bradley Pinion—who led the NFL in punts placed inside opponents’ twenty-yard line—and special teams contributor Josh Woods.
Restricted free agents are those with three accrued seasons whose original team can extend qualifying offers giving right of first refusal or potential draft compensation if another club makes an offer; withdrawing such offers converts these players into unrestricted status.
Exclusive rights free agents have fewer than three accrued seasons; if their original team offers them a one-year deal at league minimum salary based on credited experience, they cannot negotiate elsewhere.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South Division and play home games in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded as an expansion franchise in 1965, they have made Super Bowl appearances twice—in 1998 and again in 2016—with Freddie the Falcon serving as mascot.
