Most of the notable free agents have signed deals, none of whom came to Atlanta to join the Falcons. That’s what happens when you pay $180 million to Kirk Cousins the cycle prior.
While the team wasn’t the biggest spender this year, getting Cousins’ contract off the books should allow more flexibility next year, and next offseason’s free agent class is absolutely loaded. Here are some potential targets from The Athletic’s ranking of the top 30 free agents in 2026:
1. Micah Parsons, edge, Dallas Cowboys (26)
If Micah Parsons reaches free agency, it will be unprecedented. Has a more talented player ever hit the open market at 26 years old? I’m not sure. The Falcons’ longest-standing problem has been a dominant edge rusher, and there isn’t a younger, more dominant pass rusher than Parsons.
Of course, the likelihood that he hits free agency is incredibly unlikely. Players like Parsons are either paid or traded. Jerry Jones is doing the same song and dance as he does in every contract negotiation. Whether it was Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb or any other star, the Cowboys owner always gives in eventually.
2. T.J. Watt, edge, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)
Another superstar pass rusher potentially hitting the market. Much like Parsons, the Falcons should spare no expense if Watt becomes available next year in free agency. It would rectify a mistake the club made in the 2017 NFL Draft when they selected Takk McKinley over Watt. But again, more than likely, Watt will ink an extension with the Steelers before he ever gets near free agency.
10. Trey Hendrickson, edge, Cincinnati Bengals (30)
Oh, what do you know? Another premier sack artist in this 2026 free agent class. The Falcons were linked to Hendrickson when he was given permission to seek a trade earlier in the offseason, but the Bengals’ asking price was reportedly too high. Out of all three, it seems Hendrickson is the most likely to become available. If the situation in Cincinnati continues to unravel, perhaps the star pass rusher will reach the open market.
13. Nik Bonitto, edge, Denver Broncos (25)
Notice a trend? Bonitto was among the best pass rushers in football last season, totaling 13.5 sacks for the Broncos, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. At 25 years old, there aren’t many players with a more lucrative payday coming their way.
20. Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks (26)
After being a fifth-round pick, Woolen has ascended to become one of the better corners in the league. He’s a freak of an athlete, and it’s materialized. Since he joined the league, he is tied for fourth in passes defended with 41. Much like the other 2026 free agents, he’s unlikely to hit the open market, but if the Falcons get the opportunity to sign a star to pair with A.J. Terrell, they might pounce.
26. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos (28)
The Broncos can’t pay everyone, right? Well, with Bo Nix on a rookie contract, they’ll be able to. Allen has been elite at pressuring quarterbacks from the interior. David Onyemata’s contract will be off the books, and the Falcons might want to replace him with one of the best interior defenders in the league.
27. Travis Jones, DL, Baltimore Ravens (25)
The Falcons haven’t had a difference-making run defender in a long time, and there aren’t many better than Travis Jones. He did have 35 pressures last season, but if the Falcons targeted him, it would be for his presence against the run. Anything more would be the cherry on top.
29. Kyler Gordon, CB, Chicago Bears (25)
The nickel position has become a starting role in the NFL, and the Falcons should invest in it. Gordon is among the best slot corners in football, able to defend the run just as well as the pass. If the Falcons can’t find a long-term nickel in Clark Phillips, which they’re giving a try this year, Gordon could be a target in free agency if the Bears let him walk.
