​ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 04: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to reel in a catch during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 16: Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a matchup against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Getty
The Atlanta Falcons, like all 31 other NFL teams, will kick off training camp at the end of July, with the NFL preseason beginning in early August. This offseason has piled pressure on the Falcons’ front office: a new head coach, a new general manager, and a largely overhauled roster. The club’s new GM, Ian Cunningham, is a strong believer in Tua Tagovailoa’s continued viability as a starting quarterback. Cunningham has already franchised or extended key offensive players, including Kyle Pitts and Drake London, but why does one NFL writer consider Cunningham the most compelling newcomer this season?
As with every transition between seasons, the Falcons have undergone a substantial amount of turnover during the offseason. Among the notable additions is GM Ian Cunningham, who arrives with a wealth of experience gained under some of the league’s most respected executives. The Athletic’s Josh Kendall recently highlighted Cunningham as the most “intriguing” newcomer for Atlanta this year. Kendall’s argument centers on Cunningham’s fresh leadership and the new identity he is bringing to the franchise.
Cunningham’s impact goes beyond a single personality hire. He inherits a team at a crossroads: Bijan Robinson is expected to secure a lucrative extension at some point this offseason, likely around Week 1, while other off-field matters—such as the ongoing James Pearce Jr. situation and the departure of Kaden Elliss—have added layers of complexity to his responsibilities. All of these factors contribute to the sense that Cunningham’s early decisions and approach will significantly influence the Falcons’ trajectory in 2025.
Looking ahead, nearly a decade has passed since Atlanta last reached the postseason, a drought that weighs on the franchise and its supporters. Yet expectations feel renewed as the Falcons prepare for a potentially wide-open NFC South. The division presents an opportunity, particularly if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains steady, if Bijan Robinson can stay healthy and productive, and if Atlanta can maintain consistency on a roster that now carries fresh talent and a new coaching philosophy. If those elements come together, there’s real potential for the Falcons to contend within a notably weaker division—raising the question: can Atlanta reclaim its place in the playoff conversation this season?
The evolving dynamic at quarterback, the strategic moves in the trenches, and the roster’s evolving identity all contribute to the intrigue around Cunningham’s first full year at the helm. As the Falcons prepare for training camp, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the new leadership translates into on-field results, and whether Atlanta can finally break through in a postseason chase that has eluded them for far too long.