Category: Latest Falcons News

Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom named to All-Pro Second-Team

Atlanta Falcons OL Chris Lindstrom named to All-Pro Second-Team

The Atlanta Falcons were entirely left off the AP’s 2024 All-Pro first-team, but offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom was named to the All-Pro second-team on Friday afternoon. Lindstrom has now been voted second-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons (2022-2024).

The former first-round pick appeared in all 17 games, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 93.5 — the highest grade among all NFL guards this season. Lindstrom earned a run-blocking grade of 94.6, which helped running back Bijan Robinson rush for a career-high 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Lindstrom was also voted onto the “Players’ All-Pro team,” and was one of two Falcons players, along with wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, to make the 2025 Pro Bowl. 

The 27-year-old has been the most consistent player on the offensive line for the last few seasons. The best part is that Lindstrom is still under contract for four more years.

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Falcons GM on Kyle Pitts’ production: ‘There’s no excuses’

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot on Kyle Pitts’ poor production: ‘There’s no excuses’

Regardless of how disappointing the Atlanta Falcons’ 2024 campaign ended, the team is focused on improvement as the 2025 NFL offseason approaches. General manager Terry Fontenot held his end-of-the-year press conference on Thursday and addressed a variety of topics, including Kyle Pitts.

The fourth-year tight end finished the season with 602 receiving yards and four touchdowns — the second-lowest yardage total of his career. Fontenot was asked about Pitts’ underwhelming year and didn’t make excuses.

“When you take a player that high in the draft, obviously you expect a certain level,” said Fontenot. “We understand Kyle had a really good rookie year, and he hasn’t equaled or exceeded that production since then.  There’s no excuses we’re making about it.”

The Falcons general manager said it’s on the team to do everything possible to maximize Pitts’ ability. 2025 is the last year of the former No. 4 pick’s contract in Atlanta.

“Now at at this point, just like any player, Kyle has to do everything he can do to make sure he’s doing everything he can do this offseason to get the best version of himself. We have to make sure we’re supporting him and helping him develop in those areas and make sure we’re doing everything to get the best out of him so he can help this team win football games.”

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Falcons GM Terry Fontenot on Kirk Cousins’ future in Atlanta

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot discusses Kirk Cousins’ future in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons fell short of expectations in 2024 but still showed a ton of promise. General manager Terry Fontenot addressed the media on Thursday as the team prepares for what’s likely to be a busy offseason.

Kirk Cousins’ future and the decision to bench him for Michael Penix Jr. were among the topics touched on by Fontenot. More than anything, he expressed his disappointment in how the season turned out.

“Most importantly, we’re disappointed for our fans,” said Fontenot. “We know all the support that they give us. We know you deserve better. It’s our job to get right into this offseason process and look at every aspect of everything that affects football and make sure we’re doing everything we can do this offseason to put us in the position next year to win more football games.”

Fontenot was asked about the future of Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract last offseason.

“We gave Kirk Cousins two years guaranteed,” said Fontenot. “When you do that, you expect to get high-level quarterback play for two seasons. We understand that that didn’t happen. Nobody was happy to make the switch at that time.”

The Falcons general manager said the team would be comfortable keeping Cousins around as a backup.

“We’re more than comfortable moving ahead with him as the backup. He’s handled himself extremely well through the entire process.”

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NFL receiving leaders: Falcons WR Drake London finishes in top 5

2024 NFL receiving leaders: Falcons WR Drake London finishes in top 5

The Atlanta Falcons nearly ended the 2024 season with two 1,000-yard receivers. While Drake London finished well beyond the milestone, Darnell Mooney came up eight yards shy (992) after sitting out of the team’s finale.

Nonetheless, both receivers should be better than ever with Michael Penix Jr. solidifying the quarterback position in 2025 and beyond. It won’t be long before London is routinely mentioned among the NFL’s elite pass-catchers.

The former USC star has the numbers to prove it, finishing fourth in receiving yards with 1,271. Check out the top 32 receivers from the 2024 NFL season below.

USA TODAY Sports

NFL receiving yardage leaders: 2024 season

  1. Ja’Marr Chase: 1,708 yards
  2. Justin Jefferson: 1,533 yards
  3. Brian Thomas Jr.: 1,282 yards
  4. Drake London: 1,271 yards
  5. Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,263 yards
  6. Jerry Jeudy: 1,229 yards
  7. Malik Nabers: 1,204 yards
  8. CeeDee Lamb: 1,194 yards
  9. Brock Bowers: 1,194 yards
  10. Ladd McConkey: 1,149 yards
  11. Trey McBride: 1,146 yards
  12. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 1,130 yards
  13. George Kittle: 1,106 yards
  14. Garrett Wilson: 1,104 yards
  15. Terry McLaurin: 1,096 yards
  16. Courtland Sutton: 1,081 yards
  17. A.J. Brown: 1,079 yards
  18. Davante Adams: 1,063 yards
  19. Zay Flowers: 1,059 yards
  20. Jakobi Meyers: 1,027 yards
  21. Calvin Ridley: 1,017 yards
  22. Nico Collins: 1,006 yards
  23. Mike Evans: 1,004 yards
  24. Jameson Williams: 1,001 yards
  25. Darnell Mooney: 992 yards
  26. DK Metcalf: 992 yards
  27. Puka Nacua: 990 yards
  28. Jauan Jennings: 975 yards
  29. DJ Moore: 966 yards
  30. Tyreek Hill: 959 yards
  31. Tee Higgins: 911 yards
  32. George Pickens: 900 yards

As we looked at on Wednesday, another of Atlanta’s former No. 8 overall picks finished in the top five at his position. Running back Bijan Robinson’s monster 170-yard rushing performance in the finale helped him end the season with the third-most rushing yards in the NFL.

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NFL rushing leaders: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson finishes strong

2024 NFL rushing leaders: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson finishes strong with 170-yard performance in Week 18

The 2024 NFL season is under wraps and despite missing the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons have a bright future. Not only did they find their franchise quarterback, but their offense is loaded with playmakers going forward.

Nobody shined brighter than Bijan Robinson, who firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite running backs. Robinson turned in arguably his best performance of the season in Week 18, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

The former No. 8 overall pick finished the season ranked third in total rushing yards (1,496) behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Check out the top 32 running backs from the 2024 season below.

Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports

2024 NFL Rushing Leaders: Top 32 RBs

  1. Saquon Barkley: 2,005 yards
  2. Derrick Henry: 1,921 yards
  3. Bijan Robinson: 1,456 yards
  4. Jonathan Taylor: 1,431 yards
  5. Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,412 yards
  6. Josh Jacobs: 1,329 yards
  7. Kyren Williams: 1,299 yards
  8. Chuba Hubbard: 1,195 yards
  9. Aaron Jones: 1,138 yards
  10. Bucky Irving: 1,122 yards
  11. James Conner: 1,094 yards
  12. Tony Pollard: 1,079 yards
  13. Rico Dowdle: 1,079 yards
  14. Najee Harris: 1,043 yards
  15. Joe Mixon: 1,016 yards
  16. James Cook: 1,009 yards
  17. Chase Brown: 990 yards
  18. D’Andre Swift: 959 yards
  19. Alvin Kamara: 950 yards
  20. De’Von Achane: 907 yards
  21. J.K. Dobbins: 905 yards
  22. Breece Hall: 876 yards
  23. Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 839 yards
  24. Rhamondre Stevenson: 801 yards
  25. Brian Robinson Jr.: 799 yards
  26. Jordan Mason: 789 yards
  27. David Montgomery: 775 yards
  28. Tank Bigsby: 766 yards
  29. Kareem Hunt: 728 yards
  30. Tyler Allgeier: 644 yards
  31. Rachaad White: 613 yards
  32. Kenneth Walker: 573 yards

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Warrick Dunn on tailgating with Falcons fans, new partnership

Former Falcons RB Warrick Dunn discusses his experience tailgating with fans in Atlanta

Warrick Dunn is best known for his work on the football field as one of the top running backs in Atlanta Falcons franchise history. We recently caught up with Dunn to discuss his experience tailgating with Falcons fans on behalf of his partnership with Tide.

“It was a good experience,” Dunn said of his time at the Falcons-Chargers game. “I’m not at a lot of tailgates, but I will say from my experience here, no one really tailgates like Falcons fans do. It’s just different on game day.”

Dunn said he enjoyed meeting fans and discussing his football career.

“I literally walk one step, take another picture. They talk about my football career and also the things I am now doing off of the field. It’s good to interact and to see people that I wouldn’t normally be able to interact with and see. It’s awesome to see the excitement (of the fans) about the team and the possibilities that could be there with the team.”

The former Falcons running back recently partnered with Tide, a company he has plenty of experience with. Before anyone knew he would evolve into the dynamic rusher he became, Dunn said he used to help his grandmother, who was a housekeeper, clean houses.

“Most people don’t know that my grandmother, she cleaned houses for a living,” explained Dunn. “I used to go with her when I was a kid to help clean someone’s house and she would consistently carry Tide products.”

Dunn expressed his appreciation for the Falcons fan base and was taken aback in the best of ways by their reaction to his presence.

“Just being able to be out there meeting fans. interacting with them and taking pictures,” said Dunn on what he enjoyed most about his tailgating experience.

Despite falling just short of making the playoffs, the Falcons have an exciting future with Michael Penix Jr., Drake London and Bijan Robinson leading the way.

And there’s no question Dunn will be watching.

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Michael Penix Jr. among Falcons’ highest-graded players in 2024

Looking at the Falcons’ 10 highest-graded players from the 2024 NFL season

The 2024 NFL season was truly a roller coaster for the Atlanta Falcons. After a 1-2 start, the team won five of its next six games to get to 6-3 at midseason. From there, things went south for the Falcons.

Starting in Week 10, quarterback Kirk Cousins’ play began to decline and the team went on a four-game losing streak. Finally, head coach Raheem Morris benched Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16.

The Falcons offense took a major leap with Penix under center, but they still finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season.

However, Penix’s promising play somewhat mitigated the disappointment. The rookie was among the Falcons’ top-rated players this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Falcons PFF grades: Top 10 players

  1. OG Chris Lindstrom: 93.5
  2. RB Bijan Robinson: 92.8
  3. QB Michael Penix Jr.: 87.9
  4. WR Drake London: 87.8
  5. RB Tyler Allgeier: 86.4
  6. CB Kevin King: 81.7
  7. DB Natrone Brooks: 80.8
  8. S Jessie Bates III: 80.2
  9. OT Jake Matthews: 79.8
  10. C Drew Dalman: 78.8

Lindstrom has consistently been one of Atlanta’s highest-graded players throughout his career. He finished 2024 with a team-high 93.5 overall grade. Second-year running back Bijan Robinson finished second with a 92.8 PFF grade.

The Falcons have plenty to figure out this offseason, including what to do with Cousins and his remaining contract. Plus, Atlanta has a long list of players set to hit free agency. The team has officially landed the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

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Jets request interview with former Falcons head coach, per report

The New York Jets have requested an interview with former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith

The Atlanta Falcons dismissed head coach Arthur Smith after the 2023 NFL season. Smith, who compiled a record of 21-30 over his three years in Atlanta, landed on his feet with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason.

After helping the Steelers get their offense somewhat back on track, Smith is garnering interest as a head coach. Well, interest from the New York Jets, anyway.

According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the Jets have requested an interview with Smith for their head-coaching vacancy.

Smith made a name for himself as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator, primarily for his work with Ryan Tannehill. He was hired by Atlanta in 2021 and despite building up the offensive line, the team’s poor play at quarterback likely cost him his job three years later.

The Steelers ranked 27th in total yards and 16th in points with Smith as offensive coordinator this season. However, the team got the most out of Russell Wilson after his disastrous two-year stint in Denver.

The Falcons finally ended their streak of 7-10 seasons in 2024, finishing 8-9 in Raheem Morris’ first full season as head coach.

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Atlanta Falcons sign 12 players to reserve/future contracts

Atlanta Falcons sign 12 players to reserve/future contracts

The Atlanta Falcons have turned the page on the 2024 NFL season, signing 12 players to reserve/future contracts following Sunday’s 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Reserve/future contracts do not count against the salary cap or roster limit until the new league year begins on March 12. The Falcons signed 11 players from their practice squad, including quarterback Emory Jones and running back Elijah Dotson.

Offensive lineman Joey Fisher is a free agent who previously spent time on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. Check out the full list below.

Falcons sign 12 reserve/future deals

  1. QB Emory Jones
  2. WR Phillip Dorsett II
  3. RB Elijah Dotson
  4. WR Jesse Matthews
  5. WR Dylan Drummond
  6. OL Joey Fisher
  7. OL Jovaughn Gwyn
  8. OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
  9. DL Junior Aho
  10. DB Lamar Jackson
  11. DE Khalid Kareem
  12. DB Benny Sapp III

The Falcons have yet to make any coaching changes but head coach Raheem Morris said the team was still evaluating those decisions. Atlanta had its best season since 2017 but missed the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year.

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