The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11 the Falcons have decisions to make about 19 unrestricted free agents.
Tori McElhaney
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. With Matt Ryan, Ian Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski officially moved into the Falcons facility, the organization's leadership trio is in place. And they have a lot of work to do together.
Along with meetings with the individuals responsible for contracts and the salary cap Wednesday, Cunningham will also be leading draft meetings starting early next week. All the while, coming up with a plan for the Falcons' impending free agents alongside Ryan, Stefanski and the broader staff.
When it comes to the free agency calendar,here are a few key dates to keep in mind:
- March 3: Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on this date to use the franchise or transition tag on a player.
- March 9-11: This is the early negotiation period ahead of free agency where teams can "enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts."
- March 11: At 4 p.m. ET, the new league year officially begins. When it does, all 2025 contracts officially expire, and teams are allowed to sign free agents as well as engage in trades.
As it stands, the Falcons have 19 impending unrestricted free agents, five restricted free agents and four exclusive rights free agents. The reference points of all information pulled for this article is attributedto Spotrac.
Unrestricted free agents (UFAs)
Any player with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract; free to negotiate and sign with any team.
Notes to know about UFAs
TE Kyle Pittsis 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 endis 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 beRB Tyler AllgeierandILB 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 wasK 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 asP 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 isILB 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.
Restricted free agents (RFAs)
A player with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers ("tenders") that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation. If the tender is withdrawn by a team, the RFA becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs)
Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.
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