The faithful of the Atlanta Falcons football organization have been through the ups (Julio Jones) and the downs (where to begin) when drafting future legends of the game. With the next draft looming large on all our minds, speaking for most Falcons faithful out there when compiling this “wish list.” Below you will find three of the best hidden and obvious gems the Falcons fanbase would cry to watch be drafted by Mr. Blank himself… Every Falcons Fan’s Wish List for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Every Die-Hard Falcons Fan’s Wish List for the 2025 NFL Draft

Jalon Walker | EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs

Wait, the Atlanta Falcons drafting a player from Georgia? This fact alone would make us all ecstatic beyond words. This time though, this one makes sense in every way. The Falcons have been desperate to find any sort of pass rush in the past few seasons. Last season, the team was 31st in the league in sack totals. Before that, they were 28th in 2023 and 31st in 2022. In a Kirby Smart system that specializes in rotating defensive players consistently throughout a game, Walker had 6.5 sacks on the season with the Dawgs. In the SEC championship game alone, Walker had 3 sacks against a loaded Texas offense run by former Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. If there is one thing that could get Falcons fans to rally, it is speed and explosiveness on the defensive line again. With their first-round pick at 15, they have a prime opportunity to do just that.

Andrew Mukuba | Safety, Texas Longhorns

Atlanta drafting a Clemson player on defense has felt like a gimmie for several years in a row now. Coming off a phenomenal season from AJ Terrell and the rise of Ruke Orhorhoro, why stop the trend? Sure, he played last season at Texas, but this kid was raised in a Dabo Swinney defense. Starting as a freshman for the Tigers in 2021, he totaled 130 tackles in his time at Clemson (not including the 52 he had at Texas). Not to mention, he went from just one interception in 3 years at Clemson to 4 in one season at Texas this past year. He is not the flashiest player in the draft, but he is a solid all-around safety that would make Falcons fans go crazy. Projected to go in most mock drafts in the 3rd or 4th round, Atlanta could get Mukuba on a great deal without having to make any major moves. Mukuba learning under the best safety in the league, Jessie Bates, and getting him as a steal in the 4th round? An absolute dream scenario for all of us die-hards out there.

Tory Horton | Wide Receiver, Colorado State

This one would just be fun for all of us fans if the Falcons did this. In an already loaded wide receiver room with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and others… Tory Horton could be a fun wide receiver to play in special 5 wide receiver sets or play in the slot position for a couple of snaps a game. Injuries plagued Tory Horton’s senior season when he had season-ending knee surgery towards the end of the year. Before the injury, Horton was picking up right where he left off the season before. In his game versus Oregon State, he had 9 catches for 158 yards. In the same game that he suffered his knee injury versus San Jose State, he had 75 yards. Despite the injuries, he proved this past season that he is a serious competitor. Looking to slip in this upcoming draft for his injury problems, the Falcons could steal Horton in a later round easily. To some, this pickup would be a headscratcher. However, I believe that a competitor like this picked up in a later round could give us die-hard fans something to be happy about.

Summary

There is a lot of talent in this year’s NFL Draft. It is hard to imagine a scenario where we could look back and say any NFL team could get this draft wrong. Out of all the players in this draft, these are the prospects I believe we could realistically obtain with the picks we have now that would wow every die-hard out there. After a 9-8 season filled with many ups and downs, this draft could lift the hopes of fans out there. Let’s keep our fingers crossed they can get this one right.

Main Photo: Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post Every Die-Hard Falcons Fan’s Wish List for the 2025 NFL Draft appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL draft is usually a quarterback lovefest—think The Bachelor finale, but with more playbooks and less rose-giving. This year? The 2025 Quarterback class cupboard feels emptier than a nacho platter at a Super Bowl party. With no surefire franchise saviors hogging the spotlight, positions like defensive line, tight end, and even safety are crashing the first-round conversation like uninvited guests who end up stealing the show.

Welcome to the 2025 draft, where “Who’s that?” might just be the most asked question. While teams scramble to find the next Patrick Mahomes, the real drama lies in the trenches and beyond. Think of it like Stranger Things shifting focus from Hawkins High to the Upside Down—less obvious, but way more intriguing.

Quarterback carousel spins into uncertainty

The New York Jets’ signing of Justin Fields feels less like a grand romance and more like a rebound fling. After 14 straight playoff misses and a messy breakup with Aaron Rodgers, Gang Green tossed Fields a two-year, $40 million “prove it” deal. But let’s be real: Fields’ résumé—4-2 as a Steelers starter last year, 16 career fumbles in 2022—is about as reliable as a TikTok weather forecast. Yet here we are.

BREAKING: Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/YJVKoikwuM

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

The 2025 Quarterback class? It’s thinner than the plot of Riverdale’s final season. Scouts are lukewarm on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, while Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart feel like lottery tickets with scratch-off odds. Hence, this isn’t a group that’ll have GMs sprinting to the podium. So, what’s a Quarterback-needy team to do?

The Jets, for example, are betting on Fields’ legs (1,143 rushing yards in 2022) and a young supporting cast featuring Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. But if this experiment flops? Cue the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme—it’s back to the drawing board for a franchise that’s mastered the art of disappointment.

While the Jets’ Fields experiment grabs headlines, other Quarterback-needy teams are navigating the draft’s murky waters with varying strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers, left scrambling after Fields’ exit, are eyeing a reunion with Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. While flirting with trade targets like New England’s Joe Milton—a raw but rocket-armed project buried behind Drake Maye.

Speaking of the Patriots, they’re all-in on Maye as their franchise cornerstone. As they leave Milton as trade bait despite his untapped potential. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans (picking first overall) face a dilemma: reach for a shaky Quarterback prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or snag Penn State’s generational pass-rusher Abdul Carter and kick the Quarterback can down the road.

Even teams like the Saints and Rams, lurking in the mid-rounds, are gambling on developmental options. Options like Tyler Shough or Jaxson Dart—proof that in a Quarterback drought, desperation and creativity go hand in hand.

Defensive Linemen Steal the Spotlight

If quarterbacks are the draft’s main course, this year’s defensive line class is the loaded nachos you can’t stop eating. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a 6’3”, 250-pound edge rusher with a stress fracture and a top-five grade, headlines a group so deep it could fill a Marvel ensemble. Georgia’s Mykel Williams (6’6”, 260 lbs) and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart (4.67-second 40-yard dash at 267 lbs) bring Black Panther-level athleticism, while Michigan’s Mason Graham anchors the interior like a fridge full of bricks.

“You can’t have enough good ones,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said, referencing the Eagles’ D-line dominance in Super Bowl 59. Eleven defensive linemen could go in Round 1—a tidal wave of talent that’s forcing teams to rethink their boards. Even Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the two-way unicorn, is getting CB1 buzz despite playing receiver 50% of the time.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is slipping faster than a grocery bag with a hole. Critics point to his “uneasy” pocket presence, but Kurt Warner offered context: “I just want to see him more solid in the pocket and the ability to process quickly so he doesn’t have to get uneasy after first look and go create a throw. To stay in there, see it, understand it, and get the ball out a little bit more on time than I saw.”

When you’ve been sacked 94 times in two years, wouldn’t you twitch? Behind Colorado’s Swiss cheese O-line, Sanders’ toughness (playing through injections, per Deion Sanders) might be his best selling point. Besides, this draft isn’t about finding a hero…

It’s about building a roster that can survive without one. With Quarterbacks stuck in purgatory, teams are stockpiling defensive monsters, versatile tight ends (Penn State’s Tyler Warren is this year’s Gronk-lite), and hybrid playmakers. The Jets’ Fields gamble? It’s a subplot in a bigger story.

In a year without a Caleb Williams, you either get creative or get left behind. So grab your popcorn. The 2025 Quarterback class might lack star power, but the chaos? That’s must-see TV.

Main Photo Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

The post 2025 NFL Quarterback Class Opens Door for Under-The-Radar Positions To Dominate Draft Chatter appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Four-year veteran linebacker Divine Deablo signed a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Deablo, a former third-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Divine Deablo, Atlanta Falcons, Agree to Contract

The 2024 season was another solid one for Divine Deablo. Starting and appearing in 14 games, the linebacker finished the year with one sack, 63 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, four quarterback hits, and a 57.3 PFF grade, the 64th-best mark out of 84 eligible players. Despite providing reliable play in the heart of the defense, Vegas missed the playoffs and fired head coach Antonio Pierce after one season as the full-time head coach.

Divine Deablo originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders, Deablo appeared in all 17 games as a rookie but primarily saw the field as a backup. During his limited action, the Virginia Tech product recorded 45 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one pass defended, and a 60.8 PFF grade. With his help, the Raiders made the playoffs but narrowly lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round.

Deablo built on his promising rookie season and earned a full-time starting job in 2022 under first-year head coach Josh McDaniels. While injuries limited him to just eight games, he still recorded 74 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and one pass defended during his time on the field. Unfortunately, Vegas couldn’t recapture their 2021 magic, as they missed the playoffs and released quarterback Derek Carr following the disastrous season.

The Virginia Tech product returned to the field in 2023 and had the best season of his career. Starting and appearing in 15 games, Deablo recorded one sack, 106 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits under both McDaniels and Pierce.

Since signing his rookie contract, Divine Deablo ahs recorded two sacks, 288 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, and six quarterback hits in 54 games.

Main Photo: Sam Navarro – Imagn Images

The post BREAKING: 3-Year Starter Signs Contract With Atlanta Falcons appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Four-year veteran center Drew Dalman signed a contract with the Chicago Bears. Dalman, a former fourth-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1899132535197843733?s=46

Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears, Sign Contract

After establishing himself as one of the best centers in football, Drew Dalman proved he wasn’t a one-year fluke during the final year of his contract. While an ankle injury limited to nine games, he made his time on the field count by posting a 78.8 PFF grade, the fourth-best mark out of 40 eligible centers. The Falcons went 8-9 under first-year head coach Raheem Morris and missed the playoffs.

Drew Dalman originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons, the Stanford product spent most of his rookie season on the bench. Appearing in 17 games without making a start, Dalman mostly watched on the sideline as the Falcons went 7-10 during the final season of the Matt Ryan Era. He played well in limited action, however, finishing the season with a 78.3 PFF grade when on the field.

After spending his rookie season in a backup role, Dalman won the starting center job in 2022. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the Stanford product had a promising season but didn’t set the world on fire. Finishing the season with a 65.9 PFF grade, Dalman was the 14th-best center out of 36 players. Despite his reliable play, the Falcons once again missed the playoffs as Marcus Mariota could not adequately replace the departed Ryan.

Dalman built on his promising 2022 to establish himself as one of the game’s best centers in 2023. Starting and appearing in 14 games, the former fourth-round pick finished with an 82.3 PFF grade, the 3rd-best in the league.

Since signing his rookie contract, Drew Dalman has appeared in 57 games while making 40 starts.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports

The post Breaking: Elite Lineman Signs Contract With Chicago Bears appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Grady Jarrett Era is over in Atlanta, as the Falcons officially decided to release one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. A fifth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Clemson product overcame his underwhelming draft capital to establish himself as one of the league’s better defensive tackles at his peak. While he’s no longer a top-10 defensive tackle like he was in 2018 and 2019, he remains a solid player. Last year, Jarrett recorded 2.5 sacks, 53 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 12 quarterback hits while recording a 62.1 PFF grade, the 44th-best mark out of 118 eligible players.

Falcons are releasing two-time Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett, per source. He has played his entire 10 year NFL career in Atlanta.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025

Unfortunately, solid play could not justify his massive $20.3 million cap hit. With $16.25 million in savings, the Falcons had no choice but to release Grady Jarrett ahead of free agency. While the fifth-round pick won’t receive that type of payday on the open market, he should find a few interested suitors that could use another defensive tackle.

Atlanta Falcons Release Grady Jarrett – 5 Suitors Emerge

Next Teams

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have perhaps the worst defensive line in the league. The team had a historically awful run defense, as the front office never found proper replacements for the departed Brian Burns and the injured Derrick Brown. Brown will return to the field in 2025, but the former first-round pick cannot do it all by himself. Grady Jarrett is better suited as a DT2 at this stage in his career, and the two-time Pro Bowler could give the Panthers one of the league’s better interior duos following his Falcons release.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions Super Bowl window is closing quickly, but they still have the opportunity to win it all in 2025. Perhaps their biggest weakness last year was the defensive line, as nobody could consistently generate pressure following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. Grady Jarrett won’t singlehandedly devastate offensive lines at this stage in his career, but he’s still a starting-caliber tackle whose presence will help mitigate the loss of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has his work cut out for him as he attempts to salvage Trent Baalke’s mess. The Jaguars had one of the league’s worst interior rushes last year, and it’s hard to see the unit improving without outside reinforcements. Perhaps second-round pick Maason Smith can make the Year 2 leap, but his rookie season left a lot to be desired. Following his Falcons release, Grady Jarrett could provide a much-needed floor for this team and ensure at least one reliable defensive tackle is on the field at all times next year.

Las Vegas Raiders

Pete Carroll is running the show in Las Vegas, and the Geno Smith trade shows he has no interest in a long rebuild. Carroll wants to win now, and this old-fashioned coach will do that by fortifying the trenches. Maxx Crosby and Adam Butler are here for the long haul, but this team needs another reliable playmaker on the inside. Grady Jarrett is a perfect fit for this team and could help Vegas compete in what might be the NFL’s most competitive division.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints traded for Davon Godchaux, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying to get a better defensive tackle. Godchaux is not a starting-caliber option at this point in his career, and the present-day version of Grady Jarrett is a considerably better player. The Saints don’t have the financial resources to pursue top-of-the-market options, but Jarrett could be a cost-controlled starter for a team that refuses to rebuild.

Main Photo: Dale Zanine – Imagn Images

The post BREAKING: Falcons Release 2-Time Pro Bowler – 5 Suitors Emerge appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Former Washington Redskins (Commanders) legend Kirk Cousins could request a release or trade in the coming days. According to reports, the quarterback met with Falcons Owner Arthur Blank to discuss his future with the team and would prefer to go elsewhere as a starter. Blank made no promises to Cousins as the veteran so a release seems likely in this situation even if the Falcons were to put him on the trade block. Typically, no other teams in the league would even give up draft capital for an aging veteran so it’s best for the Falcons to release Cousins sooner rather than later.

Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the former Michigan State product came into Atlanta hoping to become their long-term starter to potentially end his career with them after signing a massive deal. However, plans shifted in a direction when the team drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL Draft which caused some confusion and frustration from Cousins. Penix eventually won the starting job and Cousins sat out for the rest of the 2024 campaign as the backup. The Falcons are willing to keep Cousins but only as a backup which the veteran isn’t buying so it shouldn’t be surprising if the team moves on.

Breaking: Former Pro Bowl Veteran Kirk Cousins Requests Release – A Chance to Start Imminently?

Possible Next Teams

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are looking for another quarterback possibly in the draft but they have their eyes on free agents like Aaron Rodgers. However, if the Falcons release Cousins, the team has another chance since he’s less destructive. Cousins is likely the better fit in Tennessee overall since the team will probably find themselves at least in postseason contention next year.

New Orleans Saints

The same can be said about the Saints. Quarterback Derek Carr will return but it doesn’t mean he won’t be on the hot seat. Cousins could emerge as a favorite for the Saints while Spencer Rattler develops.

Carolina Panthers

Head Coach Dave Canales and the organization have their faith in quarterback Bryce Young. The team did re-sign Andy Dalton again who started some games and while Canales is faithful, no one should rule out another bench for Young. Cousins is the easy fit for the Panthers considering they have Adam Thielen who is possibly entering his final season and could bring out the best in these offensive pass catchers.

Minnesota Vikings

If rumors are true, the Minnesota Vikings have a contract offer for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold after a successful 2204 campaign. It appears J.J. McCarthy will sit on the bench for at least another year but the team could sign Cousins if available. McCarthy has a promising future so they could trade him if anything next offseason. If Darnold doesn’t perform up to standards, the Vikings will probably take a chance on Cousins to keep the team competitive and a chance for a Super Bowl run.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have done phenomenally so far in hiring head coach Pete Carroll and Center Alex Cappa this offseason. After releasing Gardner Minshew, the team finds themselves in good shape to sign either a free-agent quarterback or a draft one. If it’s the last resort, the Raiders should be interested in Cousins.

The post Breaking: Former Pro Bowl Veteran Requests Release – A Chance to Start Imminently? appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot could be teasing a trade that would send Grady Jarrett to any team of his choosing this offseason. According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons could be moving on from Jarrett after touching base in a press conference ahead of the NFL Combine that he wouldn’t call him “untouchable.” Many could speculate about his comments but this could signify the Falcons may be open to moving on from the veteran. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product spent the entirety with the Falcons becoming one of the best disruptors in the middle for the team’s defense.

Jarrett is entering the final year of his contract and the Falcons can save a great amount in releasing him. If they do move on, the Falcons would save more than $16 million but if he stays, the veteran would be owed $20 million next season. The release would give the team more wiggle room to make some offseason moves for younger talent in free agency next month. Since Jarrett is aging, it might make sense for the Falcons to put him on the trade block, and if they can’t find a partner then the best solution would be to release him.

The Falcons won’t receive a huge return in draft capital since it wasn’t too long since he was removed from the lineup in 2023. However, he still finished that campaign with 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits. Jarrett could be a useful locker-room veteran presence for these five teams.

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot Could Be Teasing a Surprising Grady Jarrett Trade

Next Possible Teams

Los Angeles Chargers

As of this posting, the Los Angeles Chargers will look different this 2025 season if several free agents don’t return. The main pieces of the defensive front consist of Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Poona Ford. The team will probably cut Bosa while extending Ford at a lucrative and Mack at one more sweet veteran extension if he truly has a “robust” market. As the Chargers are holding their breath, the team should trade for Jarrett to send some cheap draft capital since they have a old-school philosopher like Jim Harbaugh who could use him at the right extent in the trenches.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints probably won’t trade for Grady Jarrett in his current deal but they could sign him to a one-year deal if he becomes available. They don’t have the cap space to facilitate a trade this offseason so it’s best to wait until Jarrett is on the market. The team will look dramatically as far as for the Saints’ defense.

Free Agent Chase Young will be in a new uniform and Cameron Jordan is likely on the chopping block. Jarrett is no superstar in his aging situation, but he’s still a capable run-stopper to disrupt certain situations.

Dallas Cowboys

After stating the 2025 offseason will look like how it was last year, the “selectively aggressive” Dallas Cowboys could trade for at least one veteran this free agency. At Jarrett’s current price, it won’t allow the Cowboys to do that while they have to worry about extending Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa. If both return, the team should find a way to plug in Jarrett as a dependable veteran presence for this defense at a bargain.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders have done well for themselves on offense but they work to get done with their defense. After signing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong, the team could be looking for an upgrade. While Jarrett isn’t the ideal replacement, he would still be a dependable player to possibly perform at a better rate than Jonathan Allen who is on the trade block.

Baltimore Ravens

Nnamdi Madubuike is still one of the best in this league’s game today. However, the surrounding pieces like Travis Jones and Broderick Washington remain a concern. The team lost several key free agents like Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone while never making up for it. They could use someone like Jarrett to swift the stress off of Madubuike on the defensive front.

The post “He is Not Untouchable” – Falcons GM Could Be Teasing a Surprising Trade appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

It’s obvious the Chicago Bears need to address the offensive line this offseason. But it must be more than just putting a bandaid on the unit. So far, General Manager Ryan Poles has made just two significant investments on the offensive line: a three-year, $30 million contract for Nate Davis and a first-round pick on Darnell Wright. One has been a disaster, while the other has shown promise. However, the most frustrating part has been the revolving door at center. Since Poles took over in 2022, the Bears have had a different starting center each season—Sam Mustipher, Lucas Patrick, and Coleman Shelton—all of whom failed to provide a long-term solution. That needs to change, and it starts by prioritizing the signing of Falcons free agent center Drew Dalman.

Why Drew Dalman Should Be the Bears’ Top Target

It’s rare for a top-tier center to hit free agency, and in Drew Dalman’s case, the Falcons have little leverage to bring him back. OverTheCap currently lists the Bears with $79.76 million in cap space compared to the Falcons negative $4.99 million. A 2021 fourth-round pick, Dalman has been Atlanta’s starting center for the past three seasons and ranked as the fourth-best center by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Known for his elite run-blocking ability, Dalman would be a true long-term solution for the Bears—not just another short-term fix.

Play 1 pic.twitter.com/Y0k1PMHQEP

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 20, 2025

What Makes Drew Dalman the Bears’ No. 1 Priority?

A lot of Bears fans are pounding the table for Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, and rightfully so. He’s one of the top guards in the NFL and is in line for a massive contract this offseason. However, the bigger issue for Chicago is the lack of quality centers available. The 2024 draft class is weak at the position, with prospects like Jake Majors, Jared Wilson, and Jonah Monheim unlikely to be immediate starters. Free agency isn’t much better, as options beyond Drew Dalman include Ryan Kelly, Coleman Shelton, Evan Brown, and Josh Myers—none of whom offer a clear upgrade. If the Bears miss out on Dalman, it’ll be another season of hoping the bandaid will stop the bleeding.

Addressing Guard vs. Center

If the Bears can sign both Trey Smith and Drew Dalman, they absolutely should. But unlike center, there are plenty of quality options at guard in both free agency and the draft. If Smith lands elsewhere, alternatives like Will Fries, Mekhi Becton, and former Bear James Daniels will be available. The draft also offers long-term solutions at guard such as Tyler Booker and Donovan Jackson, along with tackles projected to move inside, including Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Grey Zabel, and Jonah Savaiinaea.

The bottom line: The Bears have options at guard. They don’t at center.

Last Word on Drew Dalman

Despite being limited to just nine games in 2024, Dalman has proven he deserves to be paid as one of the NFL’s top centers. With Chiefs center Creed Humphrey leading the position with an average annual salary of $18 million and Lions center Frank Ragnow at $13.5 million, Dalman’s contract will likely fall somewhere in between.

For more analysis on Drew Dalman, check out Nicholas Moreano’s piece on 247sports.

Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports

The post Why the Bears Must Go All-In on This Top 10 Free Agent appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

UNC head coach Bill Belichick is one of the greatest minds in football history, and the eight-time Super Bowl champion is apparently a big fan of New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo. The recently hired coach posted his “All-Belichick” Team on Instagram, and the impending free agent made a surprise appearance on the list. Despite playing only half the season, Adebo’s performance placed him in the same tier as elite cornerbacks Patrick Surtain, Derek Stingley, and Christian Gonzalez.

Paulson Adebo is not a household name, but his inclusion on this list suggests he will receive a massive contract when the league year officially starts. For what it’s worth, Belichick’s evaluation lines up with Jeremy Fowler’s report that multiple teams view the former third-round pick as one of the best players available. The Saints are trapped in salary cap hell and won’t keep up if a bidding war emerges for his services. If the price gets too high, don’t be surprised if he lands with a different NFC South team.

Former #Patriots head coach and current #UNC HC Bill Belichick reveals his 2024 All-Belichick Team via social media

Christian Gonzalez makes the list as the lone Patriot, joining fellow CBsPatrick Surtain, Derek Stingley Jr and Paulson Adebo

[image or embed]

— Mike D’Abate (@mdabatenfl.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 6:13 PM

Paulson Adebo Receives High Praise From Bill Belichick Ahead of Free Agent Departure

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young played up to his potential in the back half of 2024, but his impressive play still resulted in an underwhelming five-win season. The responsibility for this poor season rests with the defense, as head coach Dave Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan effectively ignored that side of the ball while trying to increase Young’s odds of turning into a franchise quarterback. That was an understandable strategy last year, but now it’s time to build a well-rounded team that can compete in a weak NFC South.

Jaycee Horn made the Pro Bowl last year, but he can’t singlehandedly fix an entire defense. If the team signs Paulson Adebo and retains cornerback Michael Jackson, they should have three starting-caliber cornerbacks capable of holding their own against a wide variety of receivers. Once they secure the secondary, the Panthers must improve the front seven with cost-effective free agents and a high draft pick like Tennessee’s James Pierce. Nobody expects this unit to be on par with the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, but an adequate defense should be enough to support an ascending Bryce Young.

Supporting Penix

The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers are in similar boats. Much like their division rivals, the Falcons have a promising young quarterback in Michael Penix who thrived down the stretch surrounded by gifted playmakers and a sturdy offensive line. What they don’t have, however, is a defense, as the unit finished the 2024 season ranked 20th in EPA/play and 25th in dropback EPA/play. This team narrowly missed the postseason despite starting a physically limited Kirk Cousins for most of the season, so imagine what they could do with 17 games of Penix supported by an improved defense.

Bill Belichick loves Paulson Adebo, and the Atlanta Falcons should share this feeling. After all, as a division rival, this organization has had more than enough opportunities to see what Adebo can bring to the field. If Penix makes the Year 2 leap and the defense plays at even a league-average level, this team could surprise the NFL in 2025.

Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – Imagn Images

The post Saints Free Agent’s Surprising Accomplishment Could Draw Interest From Panthers, Falcons appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.