3 Biggest decisions the Atlanta Falcons are facing in the 2025 offseason

Before Atlanta's offseason started there were already rumors that suggested the team would cut Cousins early in the offseason. This wasn't a surprise with how great Michael Penix Jr. looked and how much Cousins had struggled. There wasn't a path back into the lineup for the veteran and parting ways appeared the best path for both sides.

As soon as the offseason started, however, Terry Fontenot made it clear this wasn't true. The Falcons made it known they would not simply cut Kirk Cousins and that the veteran would either be traded or their backup quarterback.

When considering why the team would go out on this limb you simply have to consider the cap situation. A team that already has negative cap space would have a far steeper penalty if they cut Cousins than if the quarterback returned or was traded. With that said, it is hard to see the Falcons holding a player hostage they clearly have so much respect for.

Cousins was kept in the lineup for far too long based on this respect. Atlanta not allowing him to find another landing spot if there isn't a surprise trade would be surprising.

2. How will the team choose to create cap space?

This is the real story, not many Atlanta Falcons fans are talking about early in the offseason. The team lacks cap space and barring a miracle trade of Kirk Cousins it isn't going to get better anytime soon. Relying strictly on the draft to rebuild the defense isn't going to be an option. The team lacks enough draft picks to deal with the myriad of needs on the defensive side of the ball.

While the majority of the offense is returning in 2025 you do have the issue of center Drew Dalman hitting free agency as well. There are painful decisions the team could look at making like cutting Grady Jarrett who isn't playing up to his salary. As well-respected as the veteran might be the production isn't living up to the contract at this point in his career.

Someone that has so perfectly been an Atlanta Falcon would be difficult to part ways with. However, it is the harsh reality of this business the Falcons are facing an uphill battle to create needed cap space. A number of difficult decisions are going to have to be made for this team to have a chance to improve.

3. Will we finally have a predictable draft?

Drafting Michael Penix Jr. might look wise in retrospect but at the time it was an odd move. The Falcons drafting Jared Verse was the expected move with the team desperate to find a capable pass rush. Deciding to add a quarterback was a shock and yet another pick when the team seemed to ignore the obvious in favor of drafting their favorite prospect.

One cannot fault the Falcons considering Penix is now expected to be the team's future. It is the move to sign Kirk Cousins that is looking very suspect. Regardless of where you fall on last season's quarterback moves it is time for the Falcons to do the predictable.

Terry Fontenot and Atlanta's front office should be completely focused on adding defensive pieces in this year's draft. Atlanta needs help at every position with corner and edge rusher being the two biggest concerns moving into the offseason. Every position group is facing questions and the Falcons cannot afford to waste any picks going off-script. Adding players with a chance to contribute to the defense has to be the focus if they have any hope of rebuilding a struggling unit.