Speaking at the Pro Bowl, Falcons tight end Austin Hooper said he has not received an offer for a new contract thus far. "I feel like I did my part with my play on the field so if the organization wants me to be a part of their future, they know to get in contact with my agent and we can put something together."
In 2016, the Falcons started the same five offensive linemen all season. Reestablishing that continuity could go a long way toward fixing the offense.
The 49ers came out of nowhere this season, improving by nine wins. Is it the biggest jump by a title contender in NFL history?
Source confirms Falcons plan to tender kicker Younghoe Koo. Dan Quinn previously said he expects to have competition at kicker but also praised Koo for how he performed after replacing Matt Bryant. Koo told me after the season: “This is what I've dreamed about. Hopefully, I can stay.'' Looks like it will be all up to Koo and how he performs leading into the season.
Which teams have gotten the most bang for their buck from their rookies? Pro Football Focus stacks all 32 classes.
Should any arms get tired in the NFC, Michael Vick was warming up a few passes during Pro Bowl practice Wednesday.
Six receivers and three quarterbacks in Round 1 ... but no Dwayne Haskins. We gave all 32 teams a do-over for last year's draft.
With TE Austin Hooper headed to Orlando tomorrow for Pro Bowl practices as a second alternate, the Falcons would have three Pro Bowlers in 2020 with WR Julio Jones, DT Grady Jarrett, and Hooper. No word yet if Jones plans to play. This is Hooper's second trip to the Pro Bowl and Jarrett's first. Hooper, who is set to become a free agent, told ESPN he was named to replace 49ers George Kittle, who is headed to the Super Bowl. Eagles Zach Ertz pulled out due to injury, replaced by Saints Jared Cook
There have been preliminary talks between the Falcons and LB De'Vondre Campbell's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, as Campbell approaches free agency. "There will be a lot of interest in Dre," Rosenhaus told ESPN. "We have had positive dialogue with the Falcons. Dre will be a highly sought-after player." Campbell, who said he doesn't want to uproot but understands the business, led the Falcons in tackles (129) in 2019. Pictured is Rosenhaus and GM Thomas Dimitroff at the season finale in Tampa.
Which players have publicly mulled whether to play football in 2020? Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Greg Olsen lead the list.
Will the Titans give Ryan Tannehill a big contract? Will Jadeveon Clowney leave Seattle? Here are the roster questions facing every team.
The Falcons are looking for a fresh start coming off another losing season, something that's extending all the way to a new on-field look.
Lots of talk this week about Kyle Shanahan vs. protege Matt LaFleur in NFC title game. Shanahan the former Falcons coordinator, LaFleur the ex-QB coach during 2016 Super Bowl run. I asked Dan Quinn during season if he considered any of the guys in Shanahan coaching tree for O.C — Matt LaFleur, Mike LaFleur, Mike McDaniel — after Shanny left for 49ers. “Yes. 100 percent,'' Quinn told me. But not all 3. “Matt [LaFleur],'' Quinn said. Quinn expressed no regrets about hiring Steve Sarkisian, though.
From franchises that will tear it all down to those that just need a few tweaks, here are the offseason priorities for every team no longer playing.
Mike Mularkey, who was the Falcons' tight ends coach this season, has announced his retirement after 25 years of coaching in the NFL.
Source tells me Falcons plan to hire former Browns pass-game coordinator/secondary Joe Whitt Jr., who recently interviewed for a defensive position on staff. Whitt just completed 13th NFL season, was assistant DBs coach for Falcons in 2007 when team president Rich McKay was the GM, Bobby Petrino head coach, and Mike Zimmer defensive coordinator. Whitt played a big role in development of Charles Woodson with Packers. Unclear what Whitt's title will be. Not official yet. Raheem Morris the DC.
The Falcons are expected to have a tight cap situation, so re-signing Hooper would be a challenge. Here's what to expect on their biggest free agents.
Clarity on Jameis Winston. An edge rush upgrade in Atlanta. A WR1 for Oakland. A new coach for the Giants. What does each team need?
There will be highly coveted names (including a deep QB group), but these are some less-known players who will get a hefty raise this offseason.
Falcons interviewed Joe Whitt Jr. for a defensive position on staff, according to multiple sources. He was the Falcons' assistant defensive backs coach in 2007, when Rich McKay was the general manager. McKay overseeing coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff now. Raheem Morris the defensive coordinator, and Falcons let defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach Jerome Henderson pursue other jobs. Whitt's last title was pass game coordinator/secondary with Browns, who fired Freddie Kitchens.
Lamar Jackson topped the NFL in touchdown passes and Christian McCaffrey joined rare company with a double 1,000-yard season.
While Drew Brees gave the Saints a great memory, Redskins and Jaguars fans are left to wonder what if. What about the rest of the NFL in the 2010s?
Wide receiver Chris Godwin is among the inactives for Tampa Bay in Sunday's home game against Atlanta.
Falcons LB De'Vondre Campbell to me on his future with his contract expiring: "I would love to be here. I'm used to the city. I just don't want to have to pick up and go figure out a new city, a new coaching staff. But if that's what I have to do, that's what I have to do. I know they appreciate me, but business is business. And sometimes, no matter how much you appreciate somebody, it doesn't always work out like that." Campbell's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was at Sunday's game.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan finished the season ranked 1st in completions (408), 2nd in dropbacks (686), 3rd in attempts (616), 3rd in passing first downs (228), 5th in passing yards (4,466), 7th in completion percentage (66.2%), tied for 8th in passing TDs (26), and 14th in passer rating (92.1) in 15 games. Ryan tied with Russell Wilson and Kyle Murray as the most sacked QB in taking 48 sacks although he played one less game than both of them. Falcons finished 7-9 and on a four-game winning streak.
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 458 | 341 |
| Atlanta | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 381 | 399 |
| Tampa Bay | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 458 | 449 |
| Carolina | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 340 | 470 |
