Falcons training camp preview: Schedule, position breakdowns, predictions

It's been a long offseason, especially for the Atlanta Falcons, who are one of two remaining NFL teams yet to officially start training camp. Players will report to their Flowery Branch training facility on July 23 before opening up their first practice on Thursday, July 24.

In our 2025 Falcons training camp preview, we look at the team's full open practice and preseason schedules, break down each position group and make predictions for the 2025 NFL season. Check it out below.

Falcons training camp: 11 open practice dates

1. July 24: 9:30 a.m. ET
2. July 26: 9:30 a.m. ET (Morris, Fontenot)
3. July 27: 9:30 a.m. ET
4. July 29: 9:30 a.m. ET
5. July 31: 9:30 a.m. ET
6. August 4: 9:30 a.m. ET
7. August 5: 9:30 a.m. ET
8. August 6: 9:30 a.m. ET
9. August 11: 9:30 a.m. ET
10. August 12: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice)
11. August 13: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice)

Falcons 2025 preseason schedule

1. Detroit Lions: Friday, 8/8, 7 p.m. ET
2. Tennessee Titans: Friday, 8/15, 7 p.m. ET
3. At Dallas Cowboys: Friday, 8/22, 8 p.m. ET

Falcons Quarterback Breakdown

Penix enters the season as the unquestioned starter, but Cousins' presence still feels slightly odd. At this point, we have to believe the Falcons aren't bluffing about keeping the high-priced veteran QB. Assuming he's still on the roster, Cousins will serve as a quality backup. Easton Stick, who has 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one career interception, should be the third-string QB this season.

QB Depth Chart (4):

1. Michael Penix Jr.
2. Kirk Cousins
3. Easton Stick
4. Emory Jones

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons QBs:

1. Cousins: $40,000,000
2. Penix: $5,200,599
3. Stick: $1,197,500
4. Jones: $840,000

When your backup quarterback makes seven times more than your starter, it's usually a sign that somebody messed up. Cousins would likely prefer to play elsewhere, but the Falcons have no incentive to do him any favors. Unless the team can get another team to pay a chunk of Cousins' salary, it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta could get out of his contract next season for considerably less.

Top free agent QBs available:

• Carson Wentz
• Teddy Bridgewater
• Tyler Huntley

The Falcons have no real reason to add another veteran quarterback. The only scenario I could see them signing another QB would be if they release or trade Cousins and want to add a more established backup behind Penix. Wentz and Huntley could be options in this scenario.

Predictions/expectations for QBs in 2025:

Penix showed enough upside in his three starts last season that we don't anticipate any QB controversies in 2025. The former No. 8 pick in the draft has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. With a talented surrounding cast and a rifle for an arm, Penix has a real chance to lead the team to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

Falcons Running Back Breakdown

Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are locks to make the roster, but the other spots are up for grabs. The team released 2024 sixth-round pick Jase McClellan and signed UFL standout Jashaun Corbin. Dotson and Carter will have to ball out during training camp to play themselves onto the roster. This is arguably one of the most talented running back groups in the entire league.

RB Depth Chart (6):

1. Bijan Robinson
2. Tyler Allgeier
3. Jashaun Corbin
4. Carlos Washington Jr.
5. Elijah Dotson
6. Nathan Carter

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons RBs:

1. Robinson: $5,988,694
2. Allgeier: $1,183,472
3. McClellan: $1,008,592
4. Washington: $960,000
5. Dotson: $960,000
6. Carter: $845,000

For the amount of talent in the backfield, the Falcons are getting a major bargain. Allgeier and Robinson take up around $7.2 million of cap space combined. If you look at what some of the top backs make around the league, it's hard to find a better value in the NFL at running back.

Top free agent RBs available:

• Jamaal Williams
• Jeff Wilson
• Ameer Abdullah

We think the Falcons will stand pat with their current group, however, adding a veteran like Jamaal Williams would make some sense.

Predictions/expectations for RBs in 2025:

Robinson just posted a career-high 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He should only get better with a more explosive passing attack to complement him in 2025. Allgeier is a perfect change-of-pace back whose bruising style wears out opposing defenders late in games. Corbin is an exciting prospect with a real chance to make the roster now that the team has released McClellan.

Falcons Wide Receiver Breakdown

Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud will again serve as Atlanta's top three wideouts. The team signed Agnew to take over the kick/punt return duties from former Falcons running back Avery Williams. Outside of the top guys, look out for Chris Blair, David Sills and Nash to be in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster. Don't sleep on second-year wideout Casey Washington, who played a role on special teams last season as a rookie.

WR Depth Chart (13):

1. Drake London
2. Darnell Mooney
3. Ray-Ray McCloud
4. KhaDarel Hodge
5. Jamal Agnew
6. Casey Washington
7. Chris Blair
8. Nick Nash
9. David Sills
10. Dylan Drummond
11. Makai Polk
12. Jesse Matthews
13. Quincy Skinner Jr.

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons WRs:

1. Mooney: $14,480,000
2. London: $6,851,878
3. McCloud: $4,120,000
4. Hodge: $2,135,000
5. Agnew: $1,730,000
6. Washington: $1,008,399
7. Sills: $1,100,000
8. Blair: $960,000
9. Polk: $852,500
10. Nash: $846,666
11. Skinner: $842,000
12. Drummond: $840,000
13. Matthews: $840,000

Mooney has the highest cap hit of the team's wide receivers in 2025. The former Bear finished with 992 receiving yards last season and that was without playing in the final game. London has the second-highest cap hit as he enters his fourth season in Atlanta. The team just picked up London's fifth-year option, assuring he'll be with the team through the 2026 season at least. Hodge signed a two-year, $6 million contract to remain in Atlanta.

Top free agent WRs available:

• Keenan Allen
• Amari Cooper
• Gabe Davis
• DJ Chark
• Brandon Powell

Atlanta has a nice wide receiver core, so we don't foresee the team bringing in any of the big-name players available at the position. Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper will probably only be considered if the team suffered an injury to one of its top receivers.

Predictions/expectations for WRs in 2025:

The Falcons did not draft a single wide receiver, nor did they make any significant additions in free agency. The group will continue to be led by an ascending London, who's firmly established himself as the No. 1 option, and Mooney, who quietly had a nice season as the team's No. 2 wideout. Agnew likely won't play a major role on offense but is a huge special teams signing. McCloud returns as the team's slot receiver after a career year in 2024. Atlanta should have one of the better wide receiver rooms in the NFL this season.

Falcons Tight End Breakdown

The Falcons did not re-sign Ross Dwelley in free agency but brought in Teagan Quitoriano and Feleipe Franks for depth behind Pitts and Woerner. Pitts will likely continue to play a hybrid tight end/wide receiver role with Woerner playing a more traditional in-line blocker role. Franks is still a project but has a chance to make the roster due to his versatility. The team is also high on undrafted free agent Joshua Simon, a projected Day 3 pick out of South Carolina.

TE Depth Chart (6):

1. Kyle Pitts
2. Charlie Woerner
3. Teagan Quitoriano
4. Feleipe Franks
5. Nikola Kalinic
6. Joshua Simon

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons TEs:

1. Pitts: $10,878,000
2. Woerner: $3,730,000
3. Franks: $1,420,000
4. Quitoriano: $1,100,000
5. Kalinic: $965,000
6. Simon: $846,666

Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The team picked up his fifth-year option, which will cost $10.8 million this season. The former No. 4 pick should have all the motivation in the world to play his best this season and cash during the offseason, either in Atlanta or somewhere else. Woerner is set to earn just under $3.75 million this season. Nobody else is set to make over $1.5 million in 2025.

Top free agent TEs available:

• Gerald Everett
• MyCole Pruitt
• C.J. Uzomah
• Jordan Akins
• Hayden Hurst

The team could look to free agency to add another tight end before training camp. Two former Falcons players would make interesting fits. Hayden Hurst and MyCole Pruitt had success during their time in Atlanta and could be valuable depth additions. Veterans Gerald Everett and CJ Uzomah are also options for the Falcons in free agency.

Predictions/expectations for TEs 2025

The Falcons did not draft a tight end and will look to Pitts and Woerner to lead the room yet again in 2025. Woerner rarely gets the recognition he deserves but is one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. Pitts has moments where he looks like a top-five pick, and others where he seems to disappear. I think the consistent presence of Penix will bring out the best in Pitts this season. I don't think he tops 1,000 yards but could get close if he stays healthy.

Falcons Offensive Tackle Breakdown

Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary will lead the way yet again in 2025. The two former first-round picks have been reliable bookends along Atlanta's offensive line. Storm Norton is a quality backup who's played well when called upon in the past.. While the Falcons did not commit major resources to the offensive tackle position, they did nab 6-foot-7 rookie Jack Nelson in the seventh round of the draft. Nelson excels as a zone-blocker and should be a good developmental prospect behind Matthews.

Left Tackle Depth Chart:

1. Jake Matthews
2. Jack Nelson
3. Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
4. Kilian Zierer

Right Tackle Depth Chart:

1. Kaleb Mcgary
2. Storm Norton
3. Brandon Parker
4. Jordan Williams

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OTs:

1. Kaleb McGary: $16,500,000
2. Jake Matthews: $13,273,713
3. Storm Norton: $1,500,000
4. Brandon Parker: $1,030,000
5. Tyrone Wheatley Jr.: $960,000
6. Jack Nelson: $878,154
7. Jordan Williams: $843,333
8. Kilian Zierer: $840,000

Matthews lowered his cap hit for 2025 when he signed a two-year, $45 million extension just before the start of NFL free agency. That leaves McGary as the team's highest-paid offensive tackle this season with a cap hit of $16.5 million. Norton will make the third-most this season ($1.5 million) and the rest top out at $1 million. Overall, the team is paying over $30 million to its top three offensive tackles.

Top free agent OTs available:

• George Fant
• Andrus Peat
• Isaiah Wynn
• Tyron Smith (retired)

Fant was released by the Seahawks and has starting experience. If the team ends up needing an offensive tackle, he would have to be high on the list. There aren't many good options available in free agency this late in the offseason, but Andrus Peat and Isaiah Wynn are potential targets.

Predictions/expectations for OTs in 2025:

As you can see, the Falcons have a pretty good situation at tackle. Not only do they have two capable starters in Matthews and McGary, but they have a quality swing tackle in Storm Norton and a promising rookie in Jack Nelson. With there being change at the center position, the entire line will have to step up. One thing to watch this season is how McGary holds up as Penix Jr.'s blind-side protector.

Falcons Offensive Guard Breakdown

Chris Lindstrom is arguably the top guard in the game, and Matthew Bergeron, while not a popular pick at the time, has solidified the left guard position over the last two seasons in Atlanta. While offensive linemen don't get much recognition, the Falcons have two extremely talented duos at guard and tackle.

Left Guard Depth Chart:

1. Matthew Bergeron
2. Elijah Wilkinson
3. Joshua Gray (R)

Right Guard Depth Chart:

1. Chris Lindstrom
2. Kyle Hinton

Behind Bergeron are veteran Elijah Wilkinson and undrafted free agent Josh Gray. Wilkinson has starting experience at both guard and tackle, making him a valuable backup. Gray was a projected Day 3 draft pick who will likely take a developmental role this season. Hinton doesn't have a ton of experience but he's been around for the last few seasons, so there's some familiarity there.

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons guards:

1. Chris Lindstrom: $12,250,000
2. Kyle Hinton: $2,500,000
3. Matthew Bergeron: $2,448,677
4. Elijah Wilkinson: $1,197,500
5. Joshua Gray: $846,600

Overall, the Falcons have roughly $20 million in salary cap space committed to the guard position. Lindstrom is one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL, but no other player on the roster will top the $2.5 million mark in 2025. Bergeron is a major bargain at $2.4 million, but he'll be up for an extension soon.

Top free agent guards available:

• Brandon Scherff
• Will Hernandez
• Dalton Risner
• Jon Feliciano (Retired)

At this point in the offseason, very few impact free agents remain. If the Falcons are desperate to add someone, the best options are Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez and Dalton Risner. We don't foresee the team bringing in anyone at guard, assuming the current group stays healthy. Letting a young player like Joshua Gray develop is probably a better use of a roster spot than adding a veteran to sit on the bench.

Predictions/expectations for OGs in 2025:

The Falcons have two very good starters at the guard position and they should be even better in Year 2 of Zac Robinson's system. As mentioned above, the only real question mark surrounding Atlanta's guards is how the loss of Dalman will affect their play this season. The team has decent depth with versatile backup Elijah Wilkinson, and a good developmental option in Joshua Gray. It should be a good year for this group in 2025.

Falcons Center Breakdown

As you can see below, there's no real threat or competition for Ryan Neuzil at center. Gwyn is a former seventh-round pick and has only appeared in two career games. Cindric is a former undrafted free agent who spent his first year in Minnesota. The Falcons signed Gonzalez is an undrafted free agent out of Louisville while they waited for Neuzil to sign his contract.

Center Depth Chart:

1. Ryan Neuzil
2. Jovaughn Gwyn
3. Matthew Cindric
4. Michael Gonzalez

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons centers:

1. Neuzil: $3,263,000
2. Gwyn: $1,030,000
3. Cindric: $840,000
4. Gonzalez: $840,000

The Falcons signed Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million deal in late May. His 2025 salary cap hit is $3.2 million, which isn't bad for a starting offensive lineman. Gwyn has the second-highest cap hit of the team's centers at $1 million this season. Cindric and Gonzalez are outside of the Falcons' top 51 players in terms of salary cap this season ($840,000 apiece).

Top free agent centers available:

• David Andrews (retired)
• Nick Harris
• Dan Feeney
• Nick Gates

The free-agent center market leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear why the team felt bringing back Neuzil was its best option. Former Patriots center David Andrews would have been a good option but he opted to retire following his release. Dan Feeney and Nick Gates are a few low-end options the team could consider if they don't like their current group.

Predictions/expectations for centers in 2025:

Neuzil is a former undrafted free agent who's spent his entire career as a backup. He played well in place of Dalman last season and now it's his time to shine. While Neuzil doesn't have much experience, he's in a good spot playing between Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron. If Neuzil doesn't get the job done this season, perhaps the team will give Gwyn a look.

Falcons Defensive Line Breakdown

The Falcons have said they want to play their young players more in 2025, which leads me to think they will start Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison next to defensive tackle David Onyemata. Orhorhoro played sparingly as a rookie but the team traded up to the 35th overall pick to draft him in 2024. Morgan Fox has a chance to play a key role as well, but I expect the team to use a heavy rotation at all three spots.

NT depth chart:

1. David Onyemata
2. Kentavius Street
3. LaCale London

LDE depth chart:

1. Ruke Orhorhoro
2. Morgan Fox
3. Simeon Barrow Jr.

RDE depth chart:

1. Zach Harrison
2. Ta'Quon Graham
3. Brandon Dorlus

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons DL:

1. Onyemata: $16,925,000
2. Fox: $2,500,000
3. Orhorhoro: $2,253,665
4. Harrison: $1,518,667
5. Graham: $1,337,500
6. Street: $1,197,500
7. Dorlus: $1,165,599
8. London: $960,000
9. Barrow Jr.: $850,000

As you can see above, Onyemata's 2025 salary cap hit is over six times higher than the next defensive lineman on the team. The Falcons don't have much money committed to the position outside of Onyemata. Fox, who signed with the team as a free agent, has the second-highest cap hit at just $2.5 million this season. Only one other defensive lineman, Ruke Orhorhoro, will top the $2 million mark this season. Overall, this group is set to earn around $29 million in 2025.

Top free agent DL available:

• Jadeveon Clowney
• Raekwon Davis
• DeMarcus Walker
• Austin Johnson

The Falcons have a few decent options to choose from if they want more help up front. Jadeveon Clowney is by far the best free agent available at the position, and he would make some sense if the Falcons aren't confident in their current group. Raekwon Davis and DeMarcus Walker are other options, while Austin Johnson could be a name to watch at the defensive tackle spot.

Predictions/expectations for DL in 2025:

With Jarrett in Chicago, the Falcons will look to a few different players to replace him in 2025. Morgan Fox and Ruke Orhorhoro are both in the mix to start up front. It will likely come down to who performs best in training camp, which begins on July 24. Zach Harrison is in line for an expanded role, and second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro could also start for Atlanta. While this group has some promising talent, it's arguably the team's weakest position overall. Onyemata is a proven veteran but the rest of the group is relatively untested.

Falcons Outside Linebacker Breakdown

This is where the team's depth chart starts to get tricky. While I think both rookies will be starting by the end of the season, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie have the experience advantage. The team could initially use Walker in a hybrid role, alternating him between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Expect this group to rotate quite a bit while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich finds a lineup that works best.

ROLB depth chart:

1. Jalon Walker
2. Arnold Ebiketie
3. Bralen Trice
4. Khalid Kareem

LOLB depth chart:

1. James Pearce Jr.
2. Leonard Floyd
3. DeAngelo Malone

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons OLBs:

1. Leonard Floyd: $10,000,000
2. Jalon Walker: $3,738,612
3. James Pearce Jr.: $3,050,688
4. Arnold Ebiketie: $2,805,948
5. DeAngelo Malone: $1,663,957
6. Bralen Trice: $1,347,667
7. Khalid Kareem: $1,030,000

At $10 million, Floyd is by far the highest paid of Atlanta's edge rushers in terms of his 2025 salary cap number. The Falcons have roughly $24 million in total cap space committed to the position this season. Rookies Walker and Pearce hold the second- and third-highest cap numbers at $3,738,612 and $3,050,688, respectively. Ebiketie isn't far behind with cap hit of $2.8 million.

Top free agent OLBs available:

• Za'Darius Smith
• Matthew Judon
• Von Miller
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin

As we just examined, the Falcons actually have a pretty deep group of outside linebackers. However, NFL teams always have to be aware of who's available, and there are a few notable names. Smith is the top name on the list, but he'll likely be signed before the season begins,. After that, it's a mixture of veterans, including Matthew Judon and Von Miller.

Predictions/expectations for OLBs in 2025:

While there's a lot to be excited about with this edge group, history suggests that fans should temper their expectations. Both Walker and Pearce have immense upside, but it may take some time before they hit their stride. Floyd is a solid veteran who I expect to play a big role, along with Ebiketie. Also, don't sleep on Bralen Trice. The former third-round pick looked good before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2024 preseason.

Falcons Inside Linebacker Breakdown

Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the other starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs.

Right ILB depth chart:

1. Kaden Elliss
2. JD Bertrand
3. Caleb Johnson
4. Malik Verdon

Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. Bertrand was a fifth-round pick last year and saw the field more than much of the team's 2024 draft class. Johnson is an experienced veteran who can add depth. Verdon is a former safety who projects as an inside linebacker.

Left ILB depth chart:

1. Divine Deablo
2. Troy Andersen
3. Josh Woods
4. Nick Kubitz

The other inside linebacker job is up for grabs. The team signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who's impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs.

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons ILBs:

1. Kaden Elliss: $8,500,000
2. Divine Deablo: $4,940,000
3. Troy Andersen: $1,942,046
4. JD Bertrand: $1,047,506
5. Caleb Johnson: $1,030,000
6. Josh Woods: $1,030,000
7. Nick Kubitz: $845,000
8. Malik Verdon: $843,333

As you can see, the team has around $20 million in cap space going to the inside linebacker position this season. Elliss has the highest cap hit ($8.5 million), while Deablo's cap hit is second on the team at just under $5 million. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen is due $1.94 million. Second-year linebacker JD Bertrand is fourth on the team with a cap hit of $1,047,506 this season.

Top free agent ILBs available:

• CJ Mosley (retired)
• De'Vondre Campbell
• Eric Kendricks
• Kwon Alexander

The Falcons won't have many options if they're forced to look to free agency. The top two options -- CJ Mosley and De'Vondre Campbell -- may be done with football. Campbell's 2024 season with the 49ers ended in controversy while Mosley just announced his retirement from the NFL. Eric Kendricks and Kwon Alexander are decent options if the team is looking to add more depth.

Predictions/expectations for Falcons ILBs in 2025:

This group will be interesting to watch in 2025, mainly due to Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. We expect Elliss to have another big year starting in the middle. As for Deablo and Andersen, their roles will depend on the scheme Ulbrich runs. Overall, this is a talented group with good depth. The Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman, who split time as a starter and backup over the last few seasons.

Falcons Cornerback Breakdown

RCB depth chart:

1. A.J. Terrell
2. Clark Phillips III
3. Keith Taylor
4. Dontae Manning (UDFA)

LCB depth chart:

1. Mike Hughes
2. Mike Ford Jr.
3. Natrone Brooks
4. Lamar Jackson

NCB depth chart:

1. Dee Alford
2. Billy Bowman (Rookie)
3. Cobee Bryant (UDFA)

There are no major surprises here. While Mike Hughes and Dee Alford may not be among the top players at their respective positions, both have starting experience and offer stability. Hughes in particular is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Atlanta could have traded for Jalen Ramsey or signed Jaire Alexander, but the team had limited cap space. We listed Bowman as the backup nickel to Alford, but don't be surprised if the rookie sees the field in 2025.

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons CBs:

1. Terrell: $9,000,000
2. Hughes: $3,586,666
3. Ford: $1,845,000
4. Alford: $1,490,000
5. Phillips: $1,223,383
6. Taylor: $1,100,000
7. Bowman: $1,086,538
8. Jackson: $1,030,000
9. Brooks: $960,000
10. Bryant: $853,333
11. Manning: $843,333

The Falcons gave Terrell a mega-extension last year, but he will only count for $9 million against the salary cap in 2025. That's not bad for a No. 1 cornerback. Hughes is second on the team with a cap hit of $3.5 million. Alford will earn $1.5 million and Phillips isn't far behind at $1.2 million. Overall, and the team will pay roughly $24 million to cornerbacks this season.

Top free agent CBs available:

• James Bradberry
• Kendall Fuller
• Stephon Gilmore
• Rasul Douglas

The Falcons are unlikely to make any major secondary additions now that the top names are off the market. If the team wants to add someone with starting experience, there are some decent options available. Bradberry is probably the top corner on the market, while Fuller and Gilmore have plenty of experience. There are plenty of solid depth players on the market as well.

Predictions/expectations for Falcons CBs in 2025:

The Falcons didn't make any major improvements at cornerback, but they also didn't lose any notable players. Hughes and Alford are back, and you could argue the team has better depth behind those two than it had in 2024. I expect Clark Phillips III to serve as a versatile backup playing both inside and outside. As mentioned earlier, I also believe Bowman will find his way onto the field this season. Terrell sets the tone for this group as a whole. If the team's pass rush makes progress, it will only help the Falcons secondary in 2025.

Falcons Safety Breakdown

While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart.

FS depth chart:

1. Jessie Bates III
2. Xavier Watts
3. Kevin King

SS depth chart:

1. Jordan Fuller
2. DeMarcco Hellams
3. Josh Thompson

While Jessie Bates returns for his third season leading Atlanta's secondary, there's been some debate among fans as to who will start at the other safety spot. The team did not re-sign Justin Simmons in free agency. Since Fuller has starting experience and is familiar with head coach Raheem Morris from their time in Los Angeles, we have the veteran penciled in as the starter for Week 1. However, Watts is also firmly in the mix. If the rookie shines during training camp, there's a chance he could leapfrog Fuller on the depth chart.

2025 salary cap hits for Falcons safeties:

1. Bates: $22,250,000
2. King: $1,197,500
3. Fuller: $1,155,000
4. Watts: $1,125,192
5. Hellams: $1,056,575
6. Thompson: $960,000

Overall, the Falcons are spending roughly $28 million at the safety position, with $22.2 million of that going to Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Atlanta gave Bates a four-year, $64 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Thus far, he's been worth every penny. Every other safety on the roster has a salary cap hit of less than $1.2 million this season.

Top free agent safeties available:

• Justin Simmons
• Marcus Williams
• Quandre Diggs
• Julian Blackmon

As you can see above, there are some still capable safeties available in free agency. Simmons is probably the top name on the market, and would be an interesting option if the Falcons are looking for an injury replacement. However, we still expect the veteran to land somewhere before the season begins. Marcus Williams and former Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs are other potential options for Atlanta in free agency.

Predictions/expectations for 2025:

Despite letting Simmons walk in free agency, the Falcons arguably got better at the safety position over the offseason. Watts has long-term starter potential and won't be forced into the lineup until he's ready. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of the 2024 season, is a good depth piece who still has plenty of upside. Bates is one of the truly elite safeties in the NFL. If cornerback-turned-safety Kevin King makes the roster, he can provide depth at both spots. Overall, the entire back end of Atlanta's defense should benefit from an improved pass rush this season.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons training camp preview: Practice dates, predictions