As the Atlanta Falcons gear up for the 2025 NFL season, they've made significant strides to reinforce their secondary, which struggled in 2024. Key additions include safety Jordan Fuller and the promising rookie Xavier Watts, a third-round selection from Notre Dame touted as a potential steal of the draft. Fuller is expected to start alongside veteran Jessie Bates III, who is returning for his third season with the Falcons. There's competition over the second safety spot after the team opted not to re-sign Justin Simmons. The depth chart features Kevin King, DeMarcco Hellams, and Josh Thompson, but Watts could emerge as a surprise contender.

The Falcons are focused on improving on last year's defensive shortcomings, having also drafted two edge rushers in the first round. With the new defensive scheme under head coach Raheem Morris, fans anticipate a more dynamic and cohesive unit, especially with players like Bates, Fuller, and Watts bringing different skill sets to the field.

Jessie Bates III, now with the Atlanta Falcons, finds a family-friendly environment after games, a stark contrast to his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, who scored an F-minus for family treatment in an NFLPA survey. Bates highlights the importance of supportive amenities for players' families, which the Falcons excel at, receiving an A in the same survey. In contrast, Bengals players lament the lack of suitable facilities, citing cold outdoor areas and long waits for basic necessities like bathrooms and food. This has implications for players' peace of mind and overall happiness.

The importance of family treatment is increasingly recognized in free agency, with players like Ryan Kelly noting that a team's support for families influences their decisions significantly. Having family-friendly amenities can enhance player morale and potentially lead to greater success on the field. This trend is exemplified by the Minnesota Vikings, who actively engage with players' families to ease logistical burdens during game days, showcasing a commitment to player welfare that resonates deeply in a player's overall satisfaction.

Jessie Bates III has solidified his status as one of the elite safeties in the NFL, ranking among the top five in Pro Football Focus's safety rankings for the upcoming 2025 season. In 2024, Bates was a standout performer for the Atlanta Falcons, achieving impressive stats with four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a sack. His consistent performance has become a cornerstone for the Falcons' defense which faced challenges last season, culminating in a disappointing end.

With the team revamping its defensive strategy under new coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Bates will be integral in leading the charge. His ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses positions him as a key asset in the Falcons’ pursuit of improvement in 2025.

The Atlanta Falcons inadvertently stirred up memories of their infamous Super Bowl LI loss with a recent social media post featuring safety Jessie Bates III and cornerback Mike Ford. Bates, who wears No. 3, stood next to Ford, who dons No. 28, a number that holds painful significance for Atlanta fans. The combination of these numbers in a single image triggered reactions from fans who humorously called for the team to delete the post, with some suggesting they retire both jersey numbers entirely to avoid future awkwardness.