2019 ScheduleAll times ET

2019 Schedule
7-9, 2nd in NFC South
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
2dVaughn McClure

Gurley not dwelling on lack of touches with Rams

"I try not to press the issue about nothing, so that's just kind of, just sit back and do my job,'' Gurley said about his lack of touches with the Rams last season.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

New Falcons RB Todd Gurley told Chris Long on the Green Light podcast he would be willing to switch jersey numbers from No. 30 upon joining the Falcons. The number currently belongs to RB Qadree Ollison, who wears it in honor of his murdered brother. “I'm thinking about changing it up, though,'' Gurley said. “I don't know. Hey, I know No. 21, having me going down there like Prime Time [ex-Falcons great Deion Sanders].'' Desmond Trufant wore No. 21 but was released. NFL says RBs can wear 20-49.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Laquon Treadwell on possibility of Falcons fielding 11 first-rounders on offense, including himself: “It will be a story to tell if we get clicking and firing on the right page. It will definitely make history in the NFL. Talent is one thing, but the connection and having that bond, that brotherhood to play for each other, is what really wins games. It doesn't say we have the best offense. It doesn't say we're winning this many games. It says we have the capability of doing something special.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Laquon Treadwell on teaming up with Julio Jones: “I'll probably learn a lot. His tape speaks for itself, and same for Calvin Ridley. I think every guy brings a unique playing style. You just try to learn different things that you can incorporate into your game. Julio's big. He's fast. He's explosive. He has the complete package; does everything at a high level. He's a pro's pro. I'm looking forward to competing and seeing what he picks up on in the film room that helps him excel every week.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Asked DC Defenders Coach/GM Pep Hamilton about new Falcons TE Khari Lee: “Will compete for a job with the Falcons. Can play without the ball. Willing inline blocker. Also versatile enough to function as a move tight end. NFL-caliber talent. If not for durability [concerns], he may have stuck with an NFL team by now.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

New Falcons WR Laquon Treadwell to me on Matt Ryan: “I think he's a phenomenal quarterback. I think he's been playing since I was like 10 years old [with a laugh]. I'm excited to learn from him, see what he sees in my game, see what he likes about my game, see what he wants me to improve on. I'm just want to come in and be a sponge to the coaches, the quarterback, and just put my best foot forward. I'm just trying to get on the right track with this team.'' Ex-Viking said his mind is right now.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons add another player on a one-year contract in agreeing to terms with former XFL tight end Khari Lee (DC Defenders). Lee has played on four different NFL teams and has two career catches. The Falcons already traded for one tight end in getting former first-round draft pick Hayden Hurst from the Ravens. Hurst a pass-catcher. Now comes Lee, a guy who could compete for that blocking tight end role based on his NFL experience. He had eight catches for 91 yards, 2 scores in XFL.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons DL Allen Bailey signed a one-year extension with Falcons, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed to ESPN. Deal reportedly worth $4.5 million with a $3.25 million signing bonus, according to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero. Falcons maneuvering for cap space and adjusted contracts for Matt Ryan, Jake Matthews, and Bailey. The veteran Bailey a key figure in stopping the run. Matthews had some of his Paragraph 5 salary converted to a signing bonus, a source said. Likely the same with Ryan's deal.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Asked TE Hayden Hurst if he plans to spend 1-on-1 time throwing with Matt Ryan this offseason, if things clear up with COVID-19 outbreak: “At the drop of a hat. I would go wherever he needed me to go. Obviously right now, it's hard with the travel bans going on. But as soon as that goes away, he can tell me to meet him in Alaska and I'd go. I want to have success. I want to help him, this team. Whatever extra work I need to do, I'm 100% in.'' Hurst working out in his garage in Jacksonville now.

1:04

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons load up on former first round draft picks as they prepare for draft.

Falcons sign 4 first-round draft picks in free agency (1:04)
4d

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

According to NFL transactions, the Falcons have restructured the contracts of QB Matt Ryan, OT Jake Matthews, and DE Allen Bailey for cap space. Doesn't say how the contracts were restructured. Falcons previously restructured the contract of Ryan and DT Grady Jarrett in December, converting $12.5 million of Ryan's base into option bonus and $8.5 million of Jarrett's base into option bonus.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons new additions career games, starts, and snaps played: RB Todd Gurley (73, 72, 3,442), DE Dante Fowler Jr. (63, 21, 2,379), TE Hayden Hurst (28, 4, 700), WR Laquon Treadwell (53, 16, 1,228), OL Justin McCray (40, 17, 1,316).

5d

ESPN Daily: The Decline Of The NFL Running Back

We just saw 2017 Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley released by the LA Rams, and former Chargers star running back Melvin Gordon found a new home in Denver. Behind that shakeup is growing evidence that the role of running backs in the NFL is changing. A renewed focus on pass-heavy offenses, among other factors, is shifting the weight given to the position. FiveThirtyEight's Josh Hermsmeyer outlines the current landscape for running backs, from all angles.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Breakdown of new Falcons WR Laquon Treadwell from coach who scouted him coming out of college and followed his first few years with Vikings: “A big-body, physical receiver who is not really developed. He hasn't taken ahold of his craft at the position. He is known to work, but he hasn't worked at the right things to make him the player he needs to be. He doesn't run that well. It's hard for him to separate. A guy like [Adam] Thielen has developed and continued to evolve, but not Treadwell.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons adding former Vikings WR Laquon Treadwell (6-2, 215), as Zach Klein first reported. ESPN's Josina Anderson reports that it's a one-year deal for the former first-round draft pick. Falcons have their top two receivers in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Treadwell could be third guy with Russell Gage also a guy the Falcons have high hopes for. Treadwell started 16 games with Vikings through four seasons. Had a 58-yard TD last season, his only score. Falcons added Todd Gurley, Hayden Hurst.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons are signing guard Justin McCray (6-3, 315), according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. McCray has started 17 of his 40 NFL games with the Packers and Browns. Falcons need guard help, particularly with uncertainty at left guard with James Carpenter coming off injury and Jamon Brown benched. Wes Schweitzer was the backup guard but he signed with the Washington Redskins. Chris Lindstrom the unquestioned started at right guard. Falcons need to solidify run blocking after adding Todd Gurley at RB.

Rob Demovsky ESPN Staff Writer 

The Falcons have agreed to terms with OL Justin McCray, who played last season for the Browns and previously played for the Packers, a source said. The versatile lineman played in 15 games last season (four starts) and has 15 career starts to his credit.

What Gurley brings to the Falcons' offense (1:53)
8d

Team Stats

Passing Yards294.63rd
Rushing Yards85.130th
Points For23.813th
Points Against24.9