Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons made headlines when they signed Jessie Bates III to a four-year contract on the first day of free agency. The former Bengals safety finished his first season with Atlanta with six interceptions and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career.
The Falcons made another big move in the 2024 offseason, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract. While the team has built a strong foundation through the draft, these free agent additions could be the key to getting Atlanta back into the playoffs this season.
Both Cousins and Bates were named in a new Pro Football Focus feature highlighting the top three players for each NFL team, with right guard Chris Lindstrom being the Falcons' third player named by PFF's Trevor Sikkema.
Chris Lindstrom was once again the highest-graded member of the Falcons' offense last season, receiving an 89.7 overall rating — his third consecutive year receiving a rating of 84.0 or higher — making him one of the best offensive linemen in football. Safety Jessie Bates III also earned an elite season rating (90.6) and was named to the All-Pro first team.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins just came in Atlanta and is coming off his least aggressive season in terms of running the ball down the field and throwing big-time passes. This could be a sign that age is catching up with him, but he's been so efficient in his career thus far that it's hard to leave him off this list. He'll be a big boost for Atlanta if they make the playoffs. — Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
The Falcons didn't have much cap space left after signing Cousins, but they were able to sign wide receiver Darnell Mooney in free agency and acquire Rondale Moore in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
Atlanta opened the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Michael Pennis Jr. and then selected four consecutive defensive players in the second through fifth rounds, including defensive linemen Luke Oluhoro, Brallen Trice and Brandon Doras.
With a new quarterback and a revamped defense, expectations are high for Year 1 of the Raheem Morris era in Atlanta.
