As the NFL offseason inches closer, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves facing some tough decisions with their roster. With 30 players set to become free agents when the new league year kicks off in March, Atlanta's front office has its work cut out. While a majority of these names might not ring a bell for the average fan, a few standouts could make a significant impact if they choose—or are forced—to move on.
The Big Names to Watch
Among the pending free agents, linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons stand out as the most recognizable. Both have been key contributors to the Falcons' defense, and their potential departure could leave a notable gap in the lineup. However, considering Atlanta’s salary cap situation, retaining both stars may be easier said than done.
The Falcons will need to weigh their options carefully, as bringing back one—or both—of these defensive playmakers could limit their flexibility elsewhere. And given the financial crunch, it’s not out of the question that Atlanta will have to make some painful cuts to stay competitive.
The Hidden Gem: Drew Dalman
While Judon and Simmons grab most of the headlines, one player who might actually be the most crucial free-agent decision for Atlanta is center Drew Dalman. Over the past few seasons, Dalman has quietly developed into one of the more reliable centers in the NFL. And with his youth and consistency, he could very well be the team’s top priority when free agency opens.
Atlanta isn’t the only team eyeing Dalman, though. ESPN recently released a breakdown of the best team fits for the top 50 free agents, and Dalman was the only Falcons player to make the list, landing at No. 26. According to their analysis, the Chicago Bears could be the perfect destination for him.
Why Chicago Could Steal Dalman Away
It’s no secret that the Bears are looking to build around young quarterback Caleb Williams, and solidifying their offensive line will be crucial to his development. Dalman fits the mold of what Chicago needs—a reliable and all-around solid center who can help anchor their protection scheme.
The financial aspect of this potential move also plays a huge role. Over The Cap projects that the Bears will have around $62 million in cap space. That’s a massive amount of financial flexibility, and it puts them in a strong position to make a lucrative offer for Dalman—one that Atlanta might struggle to match.
The Falcons' Backup Plan
If Dalman does end up heading to Chicago, the Falcons will need to have a contingency plan in place. One option could be re-signing reserve center Ryan Neuzil. While he may not be a household name, Neuzil stepped up admirably when called upon last season, proving that he’s more than capable of handling starting duties if needed.
The veteran backup has spent the past few years developing within Atlanta’s offensive system, learning from some of the best linemen in the league. This continuity could be an advantage, as bringing him back wouldn’t require a major adjustment period for the offensive unit.
What’s Next for Atlanta?
With so many moving pieces in play, Atlanta’s offseason could be one of the most pivotal in recent memory. The team has the opportunity to either solidify its core by re-signing key contributors or shake things up with fresh talent. Either way, they’ll need to navigate the cap carefully and make strategic moves to stay competitive in the NFC South.
The Falcons’ decisions in free agency will also impact how they approach the upcoming NFL Draft. If they lose key players like Dalman, it could shift their priorities toward reinforcing the offensive line. Conversely, if they manage to retain most of their free agents, they could focus on bolstering other areas like pass rush or secondary depth.
Final Thoughts
While fans might be most concerned about the potential departure of big names like Judon and Simmons, the under-the-radar moves—such as Dalman’s contract situation—could end up shaping the future of the franchise in a much bigger way.
One thing is for sure: Falcons fans should buckle up for what promises to be a dramatic and unpredictable offseason.
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