1. Lorenzo Carter
The Falcons could have easily cut Carter in the 2024 offseason and saved the needed cap space to bring in another edge rusher. Even if they weren't able to re-sign Calais Campbell or Bud Dupree with the open cap space there were far more productive edge rushers sitting in free agency. Carter's only selling point was the fact he would set the edge and defend the run at an above-average level.
This would change with Jimmy Lake's defense and Carter's own regression both being reasons for a drop off in production. An already inconsistent player was impossible to put on the field based on the lack of production in rushing the passer or defending the run. How Carter was able to play double-digit games despite an injury and awful production speaks to the complete lack of options.
While it appears, impossible Carter returns for another season the same could be said last year. Atlanta must move on and add new edge rushers both in the draft and in free agency. Along with corner, it should be the only positions of focus as the team attempts to rebuild the defense with limited cap space. A reunion with Carter simply cannot be considered.
2. Matthew Judon
When the Falcons made the move to acquire Judon it made sense for both sides. The Patriots were in a rebuild and unwilling to pay the pass rusher on a new contract. Atlanta was desperate to find a franchise option at the position. Every season Judon has been healthy for the last few seasons had resulted in a high level of production that had established him as one of the league's better pass rushing options.
This production would fall off a cliff in Atlanta with the veteran looking like a shell of what he had been. A piece of this is Jimmy Lake and how the Falcons rushed the passer early in the season. This doesn't excuse Judon's questionable effort or the lack of results. A player who had a falling out with New England wanting a new deal has imploded his own value.
Even though Judon is likely to be a bargain in free agency the Falcons need to move on. It was a failed move and there isn't any reason to believe bringing back the veteran is the right move next season. Judon's lone season in Atlanta was a failure, move on and attempt to find other answers.
3. Kirk Cousins
Whether it is a trade or cutting the veteran quarterback it is clear the team is moving on. Terry Fontenot indicated early on in the offseason the team was willing to return Cousins as a backup quarterback. Considering Penix is unproven, and Atlanta has to already pay the veteran whether he is on the roster or not.
However, everything coming out so far this offseason points to the Falcons wanting to move on to Penix. Bringing back Cousins is difficult for a well-respected leader who was leading voice of the offense last season. Not having that back in the building is going to be worth more to Atlanta than saving possible cap space or paying Cousins to play elsewhere.
This isn't to say this is the move Atlanta should make or what covers themselves best. Rather, it is pointing out the reality of what early offseason indicators are pointing to. Kirk Cousins is going to be starting elsewhere in the 2025 season and that is best for both sides.
Allowing Michael Penix Jr. to coming into the season without a threat behind him better sets up the Falcons to take a needed step forward.
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