FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons News Now is your home base for everything happening in and around Flowery Branch, even when the games aren't on the schedule.
The offseason is where Sundays are built, and each week we bring you a clear-eyed look at how the Falcons are shaping the future: roster decisions, contract moves, draft buzz, coaching priorities and the players working to earn their next opportunity.
From front-office strategy and practice intel to emerging storylines and long-term vision, this isn't just a recap of headlines — it's context for what's coming next in Atlanta.
If it matters inside this building, it belongs here.
So if you eat, sleep, and breathe Falcons football, this is your inside edge all year long. Every move, every trend, every storyline, all in one place.
The News, Now
Key developments across the organization, from the front office to the coaching staff and everything in between
The biggest news of the week involved the introduction of Ian Cunningham as the Atlanta Falcons' next general manager. He sat down alongside president of football Matt Ryan on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for his introductory press conference.
From Ryan's explanation as to why Cunningham was chosen to lead the Falcons' charge to Cunningham's own roster building philosophy, we've got you covered with a synopsis into what we learned from the presser.
"Smart, tough, physical. We are going to build through the trenches," Cunningham said. "If you look at all of those teams (I have been a part of), that's the philosophy. Draft, develop and retain. That's going to be our philosophy here, too. You can't have enough draft picks. We did that in Baltimore. You want to retain your own. So, that's what we are going to do."
As Ryan said in his opening statements, the Falcons landed on Cunningham because of his entire lived front office experience, which spans from being a player personnel assistant in Baltimore in 2008 to working his way up to being the assistant general manager with the Chicago Bears in 2025.
"We were looking for somebody who was well-versed in terms of their experience, and has touched all of the different parts of scouting," Ryan said. "That's was something that was important for us because there's a lot that falls under Ian's control, so you want somebody who is comfortable, who understands each individual's role in his department."
Bears executives sounded off on Cunningham's hire in the aftermath of the announcement.
"The Falcons gain one of the hardest-working, most genuine, and loyal teammates and leaders in our industry," Bears general manager Ryan Poles said. "I am blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with Ian over the last four years, and I cherish the memories and first-hand perspective that I had as he positively influenced our entire organization."
Now, the focus shifts with all three pillars of leadership in place — Ryan, Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski. This trio has decisions to make with the NFL Scouting Combine looming and free agency right on its heels. To prepare, we've gotten the ball rolling on free agency by taking a complete look at all free agents from the Falcons 2025 roster. Some big names to keep in mind? Kyle Pitts, Tyler Allgeier and Kaden Elliss to name a few.
Fan Zone Highlights
Tweets, videos and podcasts you may have missed
In the Nest
Behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insight into team culture
It's Super Bowl week! Which means a group of Falcons were representing out on San Francisco for the Pro Bowl Games, NFL Honors and Radio Row for Super Bowl media. It was a big week for Bijan Robinson, particularly.
From participating in the Pro Bowl flag football game to DJ-ing on stage at NFL Honors, there was no shortage of Bijan Robinson content this week.
Joining a booked and busy Bijan out in San Francisco was fellow Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom, as well as the Falcons' Walter Payton Man of the Year winner, A.J. Terrell. As well as rookies James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts, who were both up for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Back to Bijan for a quick second, though: For the first time since Stefanski was hired as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, a current player has had the change to speak out publicly about the organization's decision. Following his appearance at the Pro Bowl Games, Robinson made the rounds on Super Bowl radio row Thursday morning.
One of Robinson's first stops Thursday morning was the Good Morning Football desk, where he was asked about his early impressions of Stefanski.
"I am really excited about it. I talked to Kevin. Great human being," Robinson said. "The cool thing is he has a plan already. You already know he's (got) a vision of the team, a vision for what he wants."
Offseason Intel
Upcoming important dates and information
The Falcons announced the organization will host the inaugural Atlanta Falcons Girls Flag Football Week beginning Feb. 15.
"The week-long celebration will bring the state's top high school girls flag football athletes to IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch for competition, training and recognition of the sport's explosive growth across Georgia."
In celebration of Black History Month, KhaDarel Hodge traveled to back to his alma mater, Prairie View A&M to highlight how HCBUs have shaped him and his career.
HBCUs are essential threads in the fabric of the NFL's history — institutions that have shaped generations of players. Prairie View A&M did that for Hodge. It's why he wears his HBCU pride so visibly.
"I came here lost," Hodge said. "I didn't really know what I was going to as far as my football career or academically so this is where I grew up, where I found who I was. I disciplined myself. So, when I come back here it's always smiles, good times. I get chills every time I walk on the field."
