NFL training camps are in full swing, and teams have plenty to figure out over the next month.
Here are three decisions the Atlanta Falcons must make before they kick off their regular season on Sept. 8.
Who starts at outside linebacker?
The Falcons defense turned a corner last year in former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s 4-3 defense (four linemen, three linebackers), but they overhauled their philosophy with the Raheem Morris hire. 2024 defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake implemented a 3-4 defense, and there appears to be an open competition at outside linebacker.
Arnold Ebiketie showed potential as a 4-3 defensive end last year, but initial signs out of camp are the team could use him as a situational rusher while starting free-agent addition James Smith-Williams. Six-year veteran Lorenzo Carter is a more natural fit for the position, but who starts opposite of him remains to be determined.
Will Michael Penix Jr. or Taylor Heinicke be Kirk Cousins’ backup?
Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has looked sharp during training camp and might be ready to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Cousins. The decision could come down to how fast Morris wants to make Penix a play away from being the Falcons quarterback.
Cousins, who turns 36 on Aug. 19, tore his Achilles last season and missed the final nine games of the season after only missing one start from the 2015-22 seasons.
Atlanta knows what it has in Heinicke, a serviceable backup who won’t threaten to overtake Cousins for the starting role. Since the start of the 2021 season, Heinicke has started 28 games and has completed 62.5% of his passes for 6,168 yards (6.9 yards per attempt), 37 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.
Does A.J. Terrell get an extension?
Terrell is entering his fifth NFL season, and the former first-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft could be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 if he can’t agree to an extension with the Falcons.
Per data from Pro Football Reference, Terrell has only allowed 87 completions on 156 targets over the past two seasons (55.8%), but he also hasn’t had an interception since 2021.
For his part, Terrell isn’t distracted by his contract status.
According to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, Terrell recently told reporters at training camp, “I’m just focused on being with the team and being involved and let my agent do what he does.”
Based on market trends, Terrell could be looking at a deal worth $75M-$77M over four years.
That would be in line with recent extensions signed by Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (four years, $76M), Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (four years, $76.4M) and Jaguars corner Tyson Campbell (four years, $76.5M).
