Malik Willis
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
NFL free agency will start on March 11. For the Atlanta Falcons, they could target some big names that could impact the future of franchise.
So far, the team franchise-tagged tight end Kyle Pitts, and will officially release Kirk Cousins on March 11.
“The Atlanta Falcons have a little over a week to get their salary cap together before the 2026 NFL free agency period begins, but they did just make two key roster decisions.” Matt Urben wrote in a Falcons Wire article. “This has left the Falcons in the market for another quarterback. Plus, the team needs to upgrade at wide receiver and likely find a new No. 2 running back.”
Falcons Need to Address Quarterback Position
Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a partially torn ACL he suffered in Week 11 of the 2025 season. Penix’s health has raised questions about whether he will be QB1 to start the 2026 season.
Because of Penix’s questionable health, the Falcons could be linked to Malik Willis. Last season, Willis turned many heads due to his performances in 2025.
“[In the 2022 NFL draft], the Falcons passed on Willis for Desmond Ridder, which didn’t exactly work out.” Urben wrote. “While Willis initially struggled in Tennessee, he has played well since being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Last season, Willis appeared in four games and earned a QBR of 93.1.”
Another quarterback the Falcons could target is a former Super Bowl champion in Russell Wilson. Wilson has regressed over the years, but bringing in a veteran could help an explosive Falcons offense.
“Wilson is not the player he used to be, but the Falcons aren’t looking for a franchise quarterback. The 10-time Pro Bowler is an ideal backup/bridge option for Atlanta in 2026. Last season, Wilson was benched by the New York Giants but still made a point to help with rookie Jaxson Dart’s development.” Urben wrote.
Other Weapons That Could Help Atlanta
In addition to finding a quarterback to compete with Michael Penix Jr., the Atlanta Falcons could use a second running back to go along with All-Pro Bijan Robinson. With Tony Allgeier likely on his way out of the door, Running Backs J.K. Dobbins and Brian Robinson should be on Atlanta’s radar.
“[Brian] Robinson, a former third-round pick, could be an ideal replacement for Allgeier in free agency. While he lacks the power-rushing ability of Allgeier, Robinson has a better all-around skill set. Robinson rushed for over 700 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons.” Urben wrote.
“Dobbins is wildly talented but his career has been hindered by injuries. With that said, Dobbins could give the Falcons a dangerous two-headed monster if he can stay healthy. The former second-round pick rushed for over 700 yards last season on over five yards per carry for the Denver Broncos. Dobbins, 27, still has plenty of gas left in the tank.”
Another name that could go under the radar is Baltimore Ravens Tight End Isaiah Likely. Pairing Likely with Kyle Pitts would make Atlanta explosive in the pass game.
“Likely has averaged over 10 yards per reception in each of his four NFL seasons. The 25-year-old’s best season was his 477-yard, six-touchdown campaign in 2024, and that was while serving as Baltimore’s No. 2 tight end behind Mark Andrews. Likely moves well for his size and his blocking ability has improved.” Urben wrote.