Latest news with #JalonWalker
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Falcons predicted to trade for $1.25 million Browns run-stopper to add veteran help
The Atlanta Falcons seem to believe they've figured things out offensively with all the essential pieces now in place. That's why they've gone hard the last two years beefing up the other side of the ball. The Falcons have made six draft additions to their defensive front during that span. Last year's additions haven't quite worked out just yet, which is why they used not one, but two first-round picks in this year's draft — selecting Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. later at No. 26. Still, some of the Falcons' lingering issues on the defensive front could persist this season. Not only is Atlanta banking on second-year unknowns and rookies, but they'll be without veteran Grady Jarrett, who was cut this offseason. That leaves the door open for veteran help up front. AOL's Jordan O'Malley suggests one last-minute trade the Falcons could make before training camp is acquiring veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris. 'Harris isn't a star, but he's a dependable veteran run-stopper, and that's exactly what Atlanta lacks in the middle,' O'Malley wrote. 'Atlanta's run defense ranked 26th in 2024, and their current interior group needs more experience. Harris would slot in immediately and bring toughness and leadership to a defensive line that needs both.' Harris will be entering his 11th NFL season. He's compiled 27.5 sacks and five forced fumbles throughout his career. He missed three games last season with an elbow injury. Financially, the move makes sense: the Falcons have just under $5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and Harris is owed $1.255 million in 2025. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp The Falcons' run defense left something to be desired last year. Statistically, they were around league average — ranking 15th in total rushing yards allowed (2,051), and surrendering 120.6 rushing yards per game. But the real problem came in critical moments. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, ranking Atlanta's defense 31st in the league. Falcons beat writer Tori McElhaney addressed these concerns directly while responding to a fan question about whether the team had done enough to fix its rush defense. 'Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?' Again, all the confidence in the 2025 Falcons is on the offensive side of the ball. The defense — not so much.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst identifies Atlanta Falcons' biggest remaining need
CBS Sports suggests one final offseason move for Atlanta With the Atlanta Falcons set to begin training camp on July 24, they still have some time to make last-minute roster tweaks. Last offseason, general manager Terry Fontenot made two late-summer additions to bring in linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons. While we wouldn't rule out the team making another move or two, Atlanta's lack of salary cap space could make that difficult to accomplish. It seems more likely that they will stand pat with their current roster to begin training camp. The Falcons deserve some credit for addressing their pass rush and secondary, but only time will tell if they did enough to end their seven-year playoff drought. If Atlanta were to make another move, what would it be? CBS Sports highlighted each team's biggest remaining need, suggesting the Falcons add another cornerback before the 2025 NFL season begins: Atlanta left little to chance this year when it came to investing in its pass rush. After initially drafting Georgia's Jalon Walker No. 15 overall, the Falcons sacrificed a 2026 first-round pick to move back up for Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. A cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell is now the focal point with wide receiver also garnering consideration. -- Josh Edwards, CBS Sports The Falcons re-signed veteran Mike Hughes to a three-year, $18 million contract to start opposite Terrell in 2025. The former first-round pick isn't exactly a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, but he held his own for the most part last season. Pro Football Focus even labeled Hughes as the team's best free-agent signing of the 2025 offseason. "While this deal isn't the splash in the secondary the Falcons needed, it's undoubtedly an excellent value signing to capitalize on Hughes' improved play," wrote PFF's Mason Cameron. "He allowed a career-best 0.90 yards per coverage snap in 2024 and brings positional flexibility should he regress." Hughes could also benefit from Atlanta's improved pass rush. The team selected Georgia's Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. The Falcons could also look to former fourth-round pick Clark Phillips III to step up if Hughes struggles this season. Ultimately, Atlanta has less than $5 million in salary cap space available -- per Over The Cap -- which probably isn't enough to acquire a starting-caliber cornerback in free agency. - Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Falcons have gone all in for the 2025 season, and anything less than a playoff appearance could trigger significant changes across the organization next offseason. Advertisement After Atlanta was aggressive in the 2025 NFL Draft in picking up Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, it will look to become more assertive and a turnover-hungry team after falling short in several defensive categories over the past few years. By adding names like Leonard Floyd, Divine Deablo, Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman in the draft, the Falcons have become a more violent/athletic unit that will look to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Falcons players warm up during the 2025 Atlanta Falcons mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Questions still linger about Kirk Cousins, after he was brought in last offseason to be a bridge to a Super Bowl ring. Although he will be coming off the bench unless Michael Penix Jr. suffers an injury, at least Atlanta still has a quarterback who is considered a top-10 efficient leader with experience, and not to mention, a great teammate to have in the locker room. Most teams would be ecstatic to have Cousins as a backup option. For years, Atlanta has either misused or underutilized its talent, particularly at the wide receiver and tight end positions. That is no longer the case with names like Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and, yes, even Kyle Pitts, scheduled to rack up the targets. Falcons fans can expect more carries from Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as a two-headed star duo out of the backfield as well. Advertisement The time for Atlanta to win is now; the front office has opened its wallets, the schedule is favorable at specific points, and the NFC South is wide open. On paper, it all means nothing, but regardless of Raheem Morris being a beloved figure in the locker room, unfortunately, his time may dwindle to an end if Atlanta doesn't become a contender soon. Related: Florida Community Honors Michael Penix Jr. By Naming Street After Him Related: Falcons Legend Warrick Dunn Changed Lives On And Off The Field This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Look: Falcons rookie Jalon Walker works out with former Georgia teammate
Former Georgia teammates Jalon Walker and Nolan Smith post workout video For years, the Atlanta Falcons were criticized for passing on Georgia players in the draft. That finally changed when the team selected Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Walker is the first Bulldogs player ever taken by the Falcons in the first or second round. The versatile edge rusher is expected to help fix Atlanta's underwhelming pass rush this season. While training camp is still a few weeks away, Walker is making sure to stay in shape. The NFL's social media account posted a video of Walker working out with his former Georgia teammate, Nolan Smith, on the Fourth of July. Watch: Falcons LB Jalon Walker, Eagles LB Nolan Smith work out Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Walker for having "captain-like traits" during the team's mandatory minicamp. "He has like those captain-like traits," Morris said of Walker. "When you first meet him, you get that feel, you get that vibe from him. He'll be one of those guys that you can tell is gonna lead us in the future." After finishing 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks last season, Walker, along with fellow rookie James Pearce Jr., will look to elevate the unit in 2025. Atlanta's rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 23, with the team's first open practice coming on July 24.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Do The Falcons Stand Now That We Are In July?
Where Do The Falcons Stand Now That We Are In July? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With training camp only 23 days away, it is time to look at how the Falcons are looking now that we are almost at the two-month mark until the season. The Falcons are in the best-case scenario when it comes to how their offense looks, and how they have brought in the necessary pieces for their defense. Advertisement With key new additions like Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts, Jamal Agnew and Leonard Floyd, there have been key adds to the defensive side of the ball. On offense it is a bit different, it is mainly star players gaining more experience and coming off their best seasons. Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) reacts after a tackle against the Tennessee Volunteers in the third quarter at Sanford Davis-Imagn Images The main story for the Falcons outside of the Kirk Cousins drama, is how Michael Penix Jr. can adjust to being a full-time starter. As of right now it is looking like Penix can take over this team and can be the quarterback that the Falcons have been looking for since Matt Ryan left. The other story has been about Kyle Pitts and what will happen with him. As of right now he is a Falcon and will need to have his best career season if he wants to remain a member of the team and get a new contract for 2026. There have been multiple trade rumors for him including the Chiefs and Dolphins. Advertisement As of right now, the Falcons are one of the more intriguing teams for the 2025 season and will look to continue to improve. There are so many more stories to come out before the season begins and more updates for the Falcons will continue to come. Related: What To Look For At Training Camp For The Falcons Related: Do The Falcons Have The Best Young Team In The NFL? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
