Falcons starting lineup projection: New strong safety in Atlanta

After splurging on the opening day of free agency each of the last two offseasons, the Atlanta Falcons exercised more patience this time around. The team re-signed a few key players and added a couple of potential starters without breaking the bank.

Cornerback Mike Hughes returned on a three-year deal and the Falcons added edge rusher Leonard Floyd and safety Jordan Fuller to start in 2025. Here's a look at the team's updated projected starting lineups after the first wave of NFL free agency.

QB: Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons found their quarterback of the future last season in rookie Michael Penix Jr. The former top-10 pick enters the 2025 NFL season as Atlanta's clear-cut starting quarterback, even if Kirk Cousins is still on the roster.

RB: Bijan Robinson

Robinson made the Pro Bowl after an incredible 2024 campaign. The do-it-all running back should be a huge part of the Falcons offense next season. Last season, he finished third in rushing with 1,456 yards.

WR: Drake London

London is fresh off his first 1,000-yard season. Entering his fourth year, expect the former USC star to put up monster numbers with Penix throwing him the ball.

WR: Darnell Mooney

Mooney has become the forgotten man but the former Bears wideout nearly topped 1,000 yards in his first season in Atlanta. The speedster is a perfect complement to London.

WR: Ray-Ray McCloud

McCloud had his ups and downs last season but still produced at a career level. He's the clear-cut No. 3 receiver entering the 2025 season.

TE: Kyle Pitts

Pitts has been involved in trade rumors, but the Falcons would only be hurting themselves by getting rid of their starting tight end without a clear replacement. Perhaps a full offseason with Penix will bring out the best in Pitts next season.

TE: Charlie Woerner

Woerner is a solid blocker and a valuable piece to Atlanta's running game. You won't hear his name called much as a receiver, but there's more to playing tight end than catching passes.

LT: Jake Matthews

Matthews signed a two-year extension that keeps him in Atlanta through the 2028 season. The veteran left tackle has been a consistent anchor to the offensive line for most of his NFL career.

LG: Matthew Bergeron

Bergeron doesn't get talked about much, but he's quietly developed into a quality starting left guard. He's a monster in the running game and improving as a pass protector.

C: Ryan Neuzil* (tendered)

Neuzil received a right of refusal tender from Atlanta, meaning he's likely to return in 2025 and replace Drew Dalman. The former undrafted free agent has developed nicely and will finally get his chance to prove himself as the starting center.

RG: Chris Lindstrom

Lindstrom is arguably the best right guard in the NFL and Atlanta's best offensive lineman. He made the Pro Bowl again last season and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

RT: Kaleb McGary

McGary, a former first-round pick, overcame some early career struggles to develop into a quality starter. He's dominant in the running game but still occasionally struggles in pass protection.

DL: Morgan Fox

Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox (56) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

We initially had Ta'Quon Graham starting in this spot, but Fox is more likely to start based on the contract he signed (two-year, $8.5 million). It won't be easy replacing Grady Jarrett, but Fox has some starting experience and I expect the team to use a heavy rotation up front this season.

DT: David Onyemata

Onyemata is still a quality interior defensive lineman but he'll have to step up this season to help mitigate the losses of Jarrett and Eddie Goldman.

DL: Ruke Orhorhoro

The 2024 second-round pick had an underwhelming rookie season but he didn't get much of a chance to prove himself. The former Clemson standout could play a key role in 2025, likely as a starter in Jeff Ulbrich's defense.

OLB: Leonard Floyd

Floyd may not be the player he once was, but the team desperately needs someone to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Floyd has at least 8.5 sacks in five straight seasons. He's a good short-term option to replace Matthew Judon.

LB: Kaden Elliss

Elliss was one of the breakout stars last season for Atlanta. The versatile inside linebacker can affect the game in a multitude of ways. He should be back in the middle of Atlanta's defense to kick off the 2025 season.

LB: Divine Deablo

Deablo isn't exactly a household name, but the Falcons felt confident in giving him a two-year, $14 million contract. It's not a guarantee he will start next season, but right now I have the veteran linebacker penciled in.

OLB: Arnold Ebiketie

Ebiketie was criticized early in his career but seems to be coming into his own. The former Penn State standout has recorded six sacks in each of the last two seasons.

CB: A.J. Terrell

Terrell had a nice season in 2024 and should continue to be a staple of the Falcons secondary again in 2025. The former first-round pick doesn't get a ton of interceptions, but he's someone who can neutralize the opponent's No. 1 wide receiver most weeks.

CB: Mike Hughes

Hughes played well for much of the season and was rewarded with a new three-year, $18 million contract to remain in Atlanta. He's not exactly an elite No. 2 cornerback, but he's an affordable option who can hold his own.

Nickel CB: Clark Phillips III

Assuming the team doesn't re-sign Dee Alford, I think Phillips will get his chance to start in the slot next season. Atlanta signed cornerback Mike Ford in free agency, but I don't think he will overtake Phillips for the nickel spot in 2025.

FS: Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates is one of the best playmaking safeties in the NFL and should continue to be next season. While there may be some growing pains with whoever the team ends up starting at strong safety, Bates is a savvy veteran who the team can always rely on.

SS: Jordan Fuller

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jordan Fuller #20 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

According to a report from NFL Network, Fuller is signing with the Falcons to replace safety Justin Simmons. Fuller, 27, played for Falcons head coach Raheem Morris in Los Angeles for three seasons, winning a Super Bowl together in 2021. This move to sign fuller likely keeps DeMarcco Hellams in a reserve/third safety role this season.

K: Younghoe Koo

Koo had an up-and-down season in 2024 as he fought through an injury. Considering the veteran kicker has been remarkably consistent throughout his time in Atlanta, it's a safe bet that he will bounce back in 2025.

P: Bradley Pinion

Pinion is one of the more underrated punters in the NFL. If you don't hear his name, that just means he's doing his job.

KR/PR: Ray-Ray McCloud

McCloud will likely take over both the kick and punt return duties next season since Avery Williams signed with the Philadelphia

LS: Liam McCullough

McCullough was the first player Atlanta re-signed in free agency. The veteran quietly does his job, which is all you can ask for out of a long snapper.

Use our Falcons 2025 free agency tracker to stay up to date with every signing.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Post-free agency starting lineup projections

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