Tori McElhaney answers your questions.

Tori McElhaney

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of theAtlantaFalcons.comeditorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. We're in the final days of the first wave of free agency, but the first days of the new league year. And the Falcons compared to other teams across the league have been relatively quiet.

They lost Grady Jarrett and Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears. They signed edge rusher Leonard Floyd and inside linebacker Divine Deablo. They brought back KhaDarel Hodge and Mike Hughes. But that's kind of... it... so far. With mammoth contracts being signed across the league and splashy names landing in new places (or returning to their former teams with significant bonuses), the Falcons' opening free agency period has been pretty straight forward and without any major splash.

This was to be expected considering where the Falcons find themselves in 2025 towards both the salary cap and team needs. However, that didn't minimize that the fanbase expected a bit more from the Falcons in the early days of the offseason. That's why the major question of this Mailbox is this:

Did the Falcons do enough in free agency?

Let's discuss.

David H. from Marshalltown, Iowa

With the dust settling on free agency, do you think we did enough to get us to the draft? Was there a player that you were surprised the team didn't sign?

Tori:Short answer: No.

I think there needs to be more moves made considering how few draft picks the Falcons have. There are still issues in depth at multiple positions throughout the defense. Think interior defensive line, edge rusher, cornerback/nickel and safety. Did the Falcons pick up some players who can help here? Yeah. They did. Did they do enough to feel fully confident in this defensive lineup? No. I don't think so.

This doesn't mean they won't. It just means they haven't yet.

I think my major concern at this point is I don't know if they have elevated the roster to the degree I feel they need to in order to see true defensive improvement in 2025. Everyone knew going into the offseason the priority had to be re-tooling the defense. You had reputable playmakers in Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell. Guys like Mike Hughes and Arnold Ebiketie were coming along. But you've lost a lot of key contributors like Grady Jarrett. And who knows if the Falcons can get back (or even want back) players like Justin Simmons, Matthew Judon or Lorenzo Carter. They've already chosen not to tender Nate Landman (who signed with the Rams) and Dee Alford.

For me, I feel like I have more questions about this defense than I have answers; more holes to fill than new starters solidified. And that is not really the position I thought I would be in after the first wave of free agency. I didn't expect the Falcons to be big movers and shakers this year, but I did think there would be a little bit more than what there has been to this point.

As for your second question: Nothing surprised me more than Jarrett no longer being a Falcon.

Barry W. from Rex, Georgia

Well since the first dominoes have fallen it still looks like the Falcons are letting the high free agents sign other places. I am OK with letting Grady Jarrett go. The Falcons need younger players with plenty of upside. I am expecting bottom tier free agent signing and a few draft picks later in April. I really don't see the Falcons improving all that much. They have not even cleared enough space to start signing free agents. Why should we expect this team to take a step forward with the salary cap problems?

Tori:I wouldn't consider what's going on with the Falcons' cap to be a "problem." This offseason was always going to be the byproduct of key signings the Falcons have made in the last two offseasons. However, I don't think that it's the end-all-be-all moving forward.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Falcons are projected to have roughly $77 million in cap space in 2026 and $178 million in 2027. It's not like they have pushed significant capital down the road. Though someone like Kirk Cousins takes up 14% of the Falcons' cap this year, the Falcons should be out from under majority of his guaranteed money beyond this season. They have three of their big-time playmakers (and most expensive positions) on rookie deals Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr.

Realistically, the salary cap isn't really a problem in my eyes. That, and well, the cap can always be manipulated. The Falcons are just being conservative in their approach this season, but that doesn't mean they won't have the opportunity to be players on the market in the future.

Cal P. from Griffin, Georgia

I'm not gonna pretend that pass rush isn't our biggest priority, but let's pretend (and hope) that the Falcons traded for a great pass rusher, between safety and corner, which is in more need of a boost?

Tori:This isn't a cop out when I say that both need to be addressed equally at this point in time.

Yes, the Falcons brought back Mike Hughes (which I thought was the right move). But they still have a vacancy at nickel which needs to be addressed. Speaking of which, I do think it'll be interesting to see where the Falcons actually end up going with Hughes' role. I don't think it is set in stone that it's Hughes as the starter opposite A.J. Terrell, specifically. I think he will be a starter, but where (nickel or corner) will be determined based on incoming moves. Signing back Hughes affords the Falcons the flexibility to keep both options open seeing as Hughes can do both, and can slot in where he's needed.

At safety, the Falcons need a starter there, too. They don't have a running mate for Jessie Bates III yet, with Justin Simmons officially back on the open market. I know the Falcons liked where DeMarcco Hellams was trending last season prior to his injury, but does he return with the same upward trajectory? I am skeptical, and feel that your second starter with Bates isn't on the roster yet.

CALL FOR QUESTIONS

The offseason is in full swing. So, I bet you have questions!You can submit said questions here, or send me atweet to @tori_mcelhaney.

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