The Kirk Cousins saga continues as the Atlanta Falcons remain hesitant to part ways with their veteran quarterback, who signed a hefty contract last year. Despite speculation about a potential trade, particularly to the Cleveland Browns, the Falcons have kept Cousins on their roster, thus triggering a $10 million roster bonus for him in 2026. Head coach Raheem Morris indicated that while the team is open to trade discussions, they don’t expect Cousins to participate in voluntary workouts following the draft, signaling ongoing uncertainty regarding his future.

Michael Penix Jr. is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Falcons, but the dynamics surrounding Cousins' situation remain fluid. The Browns are reportedly considering him as a viable option, especially given head coach Kevin Stefanski's previous experience with Cousins during their time together at the Minnesota Vikings. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Falcons face a critical decision as they navigate Cousins' contract and the implications of retaining him versus exploring trade opportunities.

The Atlanta Falcons are actively scouting prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL draft, with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot attending pro days at Marshall and Ohio State. The Buckeyes, fresh off a National Championship, showcase a strong defensive lineup, highlighting edge prospects J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, along with interior defensive lineman Tyleik Williams. All three are expected to be Day 2 picks, which aligns with the Falcons' needs as they aim to bolster their defense after struggling to find long-term starters in recent drafts.

Despite having limited draft capital, the Falcons are considering trading down to acquire additional mid-round picks. Fontenot has previously identified offensive talents but needs stronger defensive contributions, especially following the re-signing of Ta'Quon Graham, who has mainly played a rotational role. Young cornerback Clark Phillips III has also shown promise and could take on a more significant role this upcoming season.

Bill Belichick's recent Super Bowl antics proved he still revels in outmaneuvering opponents, even off the field. During the Super Bowl weekend, he was spotted with his young girlfriend, sporting a Falcons champions tee, a jab at the team that suffered a historic collapse to the Patriots. This cheeky display drew the attention of Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, who suggested Falcons head coach Raheem Morris retaliate by flaunting Duke gear, given Belichick's ties to North Carolina. However, Morris declined, expressing respect for Belichick, despite a past connection with the 2016 Falcons that led to their Super Bowl disappointment.

Despite the jab, Morris maintained his professionalism, stating there's no need for such rivalries. The conversation turned light-hearted with Florio, who often criticizes the Falcons, but Morris's stance showcased a commitment to decorum in the face of rivalry. Yet, this humorous banter raises questions about the ongoing dynamics between Belichick and the Falcons after their near hiring of him. Will the Falcons leverage this past connection or look to establish their own identity moving forward?

The NFL Scouting Combine is in focus this week, but the upcoming League Meeting in Palm Beach will bring discussions on several proposals potentially impacting the league. Central to the debate is the Philadelphia Eagles' controversial "tush push" play, which the Green Bay Packers have proposed to ban. Coaches like Raheem Morris and Sean McDermott argue for its removal, citing safety and competitive fairness, while others, including Todd Bowles, defend the play as part of football's evolution, insisting teams must adapt to stop it.

Raheem Morris, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, finds himself in a challenging situation requiring a strong defensive strategy. To navigate this, he has enlisted the help of his long-time friend and colleague, Jeff Ulbrich, who has transitioned from coaching the New York Jets to serving as Atlanta's defensive coordinator. This partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, which Ulbrich emphasized during a recent press conference. The hiring process was notably professional, reflecting the seriousness of their mission.

Ulbrich's past experience and his stint as an interim head coach have transformed his approach to coaching, transitioning him from the role of a supportive friend to an essential voice in critical decisions. He recognizes the importance of honesty and transparency in their working relationship, understanding that a successful defense hinges on effective communication and strategy adjustments. Ulbrich's insights will be vital in identifying blind spots within the team's performance.

The Falcons' defensive struggles, particularly in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, highlighted the need for a robust pass rush. Ulbrich underscored the significance of this aspect, stating that a defense cannot thrive without it. Their collaborative approach aims to cultivate an intelligent and adaptable defensive unit that can withstand the challenges posed by elite offenses in the league.