The Atlanta Falcons Have A New Identity, And May Be The NFL’s Wildcard In 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Before the NFL Draft, Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins debacle dominated the headlines. Since then, the team has found itself with a new identity and is now in the national spotlight for all the right reasons.
Although the Cousins situation hasn’t been lined out, and Atlanta is still linked to that massive $180 million contract, Atlanta has made strides after strides since the NFL Draft to gain a new identity and move this team into the future as a winner and one of the NFL’s most talked-about teams.
With Michael Penix Jr. under center, a few years of quarterback uncertainty will be laid to rest. Outside of the amount of money still owed to Cousins, a better backup option doesn’t exist if both parties agree to that relationship for another season. Yes, the move to grab Penix Jr. in the first round last year drew confusion, criticism, and curiosity, but it turned out to be the right move.
Kyle Pitts will be playing for a contract this season, regardless of where that may be, but he deserves one more chance in Atlanta as long as his input with targets increases. Bijan Robinson is a budding superstar who is also a workhorse back. Tyler Allgeier out of the backfield complements him well. Robinson will look to increase his yards from last season, as he was not happy with finishing fourth in yardage.
The wide receiver room is very deep and will be led by Drake London, a big-bodied receiver who can high-point the ball with the best of them in the NFL. Ray-Ray McCloud and Darnell Mooney will look to be security blankets for Penix Jr. as well. Look for the targets on the outside and in the slot to increase.
The defense is much improved, and the Falcons went unorthodox and aggressive by trading back into the draft’s first round to select James Pearce Jr. after taking Jalon Walker with the 15th pick in the first round. Atlanta has also signed athletic linebacker Divine Deablo and edge rusher Leonard Floyd.
Atlanta would have the best UDFA class of pickups they have ever had. With Kansas Jayhawks defensive back Cobee Bryant looking like a lock to make the team, then help to lock down the secondary in Atlanta.
With a competent front office that listened to the fans, an explosive offense, a much-improved defense, and a winnable division, the Atlanta Falcons may be the NFL darling during the 2025 season and surprise fans and other NFL officials. Love them or doubt them, don’t ignore them.
Related: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Expects Bigger Plays For Bigger Wins
Related: Former Falcons Dynamic QB Impressed By Michael Penix Jr After OTA Visit
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.