Falcons' $1.5M three-year starter could be cut with preseason struggles following horrid season

The Atlanta Falcons’ defense features a well-balanced mix of veterans and rookies, both expected to play meaningful snaps and make impact plays. But how far this unit goes may largely depend on the leadership and mentorship of star safety Jessie Bates.

“Bates' mentorship is crucial for the Falcons, who will likely field a very young defense in 2025. Walker and fellow pass rusher James Pearce Jr. were both first-round picks in April and will likely see a lot of playing time as rookies. The Falcons also drafted Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., a fourth-round pick who played safety in college and will play nickel corner in Atlanta,” ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote.

Atlanta’s defense had plenty of question marks last season — particularly its inability to pressure the quarterback, which often left the unit vulnerable and reactive. Veteran defensive lineman David Onyemata is expected to lead the way in the trenches, while reinforcements like James Pearce Jr. have already added some spark.

Pearce brings intensity — sometimes too much of it.

“A scuffle at training camp. James Pearce Jr in the middle of it. Raheem Morris got in his face after. Looked like JPJ grabbed a face mask at some point. He was taken out of the next rep,” NBC Atlanta’s Maria Martin posted.

In the secondary, competition is fierce. Rookies are pushing for starting jobs while veterans fight to keep theirs. One player squarely on the bubble is cornerback Dee Alford, who could be in danger if he doesn’t have a strong preseason.

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“You could make the argument for any of these three players to start: Alford has held the position for years, Phillips III has improved each year and is still a talented player, and Bowman Jr. is a Jeff Ulbrich favorite. The difference with Alford is that he is the one guy they would consider releasing with a rough preseason. The other two were mid-round draft picks who are still on their cheap rookie deals,” Blogging Dirty’s Grayson Freestone wrote.

Alford re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year deal this offseason, but despite being the starter for three consecutive seasons, his job is far from secure. If he ends up being the weak link in a crowded and competitive room, his time with the Falcons could be nearing its end. This will be one of the more interesting battles to monitor throughout the preseason.