Training camp is ONE WEEK away, and five former Falcons players are still on the outside looking in. This is a huge red flag after Kevin Stefanski and Ian Cunningham totally blew up that roster, bringing in over a dozen new free agents and making the most of limited draft resources.
The Veteran Edge Rusher Who Might Be Back
Let’s be real: Leonard Floyd is the biggest name here, by a mile. Dude’s been a force for years, but 2025 was NOT his year. We’re talking a measly 3.5 sacks, the first time he dipped below 8.5 in *five* years! That’s a huge drop-off. Still, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has to be eyeing him, especially if James Pearce Jr. gets suspended. The Falcons still have around $37.9 million available. A reunion isn’t out of the question if they need a veteran presence, given Floyd’s accomplished past, even if last year was rough. This situation is wild, with camp so close.
Depth Chart Drama and Special Teams Value
Beyond Floyd, you’ve got a mix of guys looking for a spot. Linebacker Josh Woods, for instance, could totally see himself back in Atlanta, maybe even on the practice squad. With camp looming, coaches will look at every option. Then there’s wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. This guy is a quality depth option and, get this, he made the Pro Bowl for his special teams play! Even without experience in Stefanski’s offense, that kind of versatile talent is gold. It depends on what happens with the undrafted wide receivers Atlanta brought in. This isn’t just about offense, it’s about covering all your bases.
Practice Squad Prospects Are Waiting
And then we have Malik Heath and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Heath, a former Packers wideout, didn’t even get a restricted free agent tender from the Falcons. That tells you something. Both he and offensive lineman Wheatley Jr. are still without a home. Look, it’s tough out there, and with camp literally days away, they’re likely looking at practice squad spots with *any* team. It’s a grind. For these guys, one week can feel like an eternity as they wait for that phone to ring. The Falcons have already added over a dozen free agents, so finding space for these former players means they’d have to really impress in a short window.
So, with players reporting for camp in just seven days, the clock is ticking for these five former Falcons. Will Stefanski and Cunningham bring any of them back into the fold, especially with that $37.9 million in cap space? Or will they roll into camp with the new guys and hope for the best? This next week is gonna be HUGE for Atlanta, setting the tone for their entire season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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