Ian Cunningham, the new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, addressed a range of topics during his first appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Cunningham discussed draft strategy, player updates, and roster decisions as he outlined his approach for the team’s future.
Cunningham noted that the Falcons currently hold five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft but expressed hope to acquire more selections before draft day. He emphasized a philosophy of maximizing opportunities in the draft process. “That’s going to be a part of our philosophy in order to have as many swings at the plate as we can,” Cunningham said. Reflecting on his previous experience with limited draft capital in Chicago, he added, “use every method as humanly possible in order to manufacture picks.” He acknowledged there is a possibility Atlanta may finish with only five picks this year but stated, “I hope that’s not the case.”
Regarding tight end Kyle Pitts, Cunningham confirmed that the Falcons plan to use the franchise tag on him soon, possibly as early as Tuesday. He explained that this decision allows for continued evaluation of Pitts within a limited timeframe after being hired. “It’s the time frame that we have here where you get hired and you have to make a big decision like that,” Cunningham said. “We felt that it was the right decision to use the franchise tag on him now to allow us to evaluate and see things forward.” The idea of tagging Pitts was considered during Cunningham’s interview process with Atlanta’s search committee. His main goal was preventing “a player of his caliber” from entering free agency.
Cunningham also addressed quarterback Kirk Cousins’ status, confirming that Cousins will be released at the start of the new league year in March with a post-June 1 designation. This move is described as being out of respect for Cousins, and Cunningham stated there are no plans to re-sign him following his release.
On Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, Cunningham reported positive progress: “I feel like he is doing a really good job,” he said. “He’s coming in every single day, and he’s doing what he needs to do. We are confident that he is on track.” Penix recently visited team facilities and introduced himself to staff members.
When asked about inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, one of Atlanta’s major free agents this offseason, Cunningham declined specifics but indicated ongoing evaluation: “I won’t get into that. I feel like for Kaden, he’s a free agent. We will see how that goes moving forward,” he said.
The wide receiver position remains a priority for Cunningham, who called it “premium.” However, he did not provide details regarding Darnell Mooney’s future with the organization.
During interviews with prospects Monday night at the combine, Cunningham mentioned that about ten individuals represented Atlanta—including president Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski—reflecting a smaller group than previous years.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFL’s NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia (official website). The team began play as an expansion franchise in 1965 and has advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and 2016 (official website).
