FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. β The Falcons held their first OTA practice Tuesday. And though there wasn't too terribly much to glean from the practice itself, it was still nice to see the guys back out on the grass.
That being said, there are still a bunch of questions about this team and what it could look like in 2025; which makes sense considering we're still a summer away from the start of training camp. If you have questions, submit them here. In the meantime, let's go through a few interesting ones I pulled this week.
Neil C. from Dundee, Scotland
Hey Tori. Can you please discuss the concerns we hear from various outlets around Tyler Allgeier being offered as collateral for draft picks?
I don't see why we can't continue to function with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier financially, should the front office offer him another deal. Tyler Allgeier deserves a shot as an RB1, but I don't want to see us lose a superstar just for draft picks.
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Well, Neil, I guess when it comes to Allgeier's future with the organization, it ultimately boils down to opportunity cost and comparative advantage. Economics 101. Opportunity cost: Could you acquire something of equal or greater value to what you have in Allgeier? Whether that be via a draft pick or otherwise? Comparative advantage: Could the Falcons produce a similar rushing output with a player at a lower opportunity cost (i.e. a rookie contract value compared to a second contract value for Allgeier)?
If the Falcons feel that they cannot produce to the level they deem necessary without Allgeier, then he stays. You make it work, and you likely sacrifice another position group in order to do so. But do the Falcons have the means to actually do so? And is Allgeier's production replicable?
Because realistically, all within the span of four years' time, you're going to have to find ways to pay your big-time playmakers: Allgeier, Robinson, Drake London and, at a certain point you hope, Penix. That's not even getting into the contract extensions a player like Jessie Bates III could draw, or Darnell Mooney if he nears another 1,000-yard season. It's just difficult to conceptualize that the Falcons couldn't get Allgeier's production at a lesser value. And here's the thing, too: I want Allgeier paid. Like you, I want him to have RB1 reps and recognition somewhere. As long as Robinson is in Atlanta, it won't be here. So, as much as I would hate to see Allgeier walk in free agency, that may be the reality. But he could walk away a success story, and with more money in his pocket β a win for the Falcons' draft strategy and a win for Allgeier's own personal future.
Audrey M. from Atlanta, Georgia
Where is Kyle Pitts? I understand that it is not mandatory thing. However, I can see all the veterans working out with Michael Penix Jr. in Phase 2 workouts, but Kyle Pitts is no where to be found.
I will say that just because you don't see Kyle Pitts in a recap video posted to social media doesn't mean that he hasn't been in the building or working out with the team. He has been.
I want to reiterate that this is voluntary offseason training programs. Mandatory minicamp does not start until the second full week of June. I wouldn't read too much into him not being out there for the first day of open OTA practice. Chances are you'll see him at the next practice, or the next. That, and he wasn't the only one not present on this singular day. There were others. So, while I understand the initial response and question, I don't think there is anyone in the building who is particularly concerned. Teams are not even allowed to take attendance during voluntary periods under the current CBA. That, and Pitts has been getting the work in with Michael Penix Jr., Penix himself confirming that Tuesday.
Tarik N. from Knoxville, Tennessee
What are your thoughts on the Saints' QB room decisions? Are they actually trying to compete this year? Seems like the plan is to tank the 2025 season for a top pick in the hopes of landing their QB of the future in the 2026 draft? I, for one, would hate to see that happen.
Yeah, I would say the Saints are in quarterback purgatory. Not unlike the Falcons after Matt Ryan's departure. You're in the bridge years: The season (or seasons) connecting one era of football to the next. For the Saints right now, that's the era beyond Derek Carr. As ESPN's Katherine Terrell reported Wednesday, the quarterback competition in New Orleans is in full swing.
"Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough were split off in sections of the team's indoor practice facility. On Thursday, Rattler worked with the first-team offense and Shough with the second team. Third-year quarterback Jake Haener, who is dealing with an oblique strain, watched from the side.
"Both quarterbacks had their highs and lows in practice, with Shough's best throw coming on a deep pass to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. But they won't name a starting quarterback coming out of a practice in May -- the team intends for that to come later.
"Saints coach Kellen Moore said every quarterback got their turn with the first-team offense in Week 1 of OTAs last week, including Haener before his oblique injury. That rotation will continue throughout the summer."
Now, what does all of this mean? I guess we will see, right? I don't think any player or coach goes into a season already planning on tanking it. There are too many jobs and salaries on the line for that to be the set plan for 2025. I don't think it is as cut and dry as that. But would the Saints welcome a top draft pick in 2026 in order to maybe have the opportunity to either draft a quarterback or leverage a top pick to acquire one? Oh, I am sure.
But we're not there yet... They haven't even decided on a starter for this year, after all.
