After a clear roster reset that leaned heavily into youth and flexibility, the Falcons pivoted in free agency with a targeted veteran infusion — not splashy for headlines, but decisive for structure. The signings of Brian O’Neill, Elgton Jenkins, Greg Newsome II, Tyler Linderbaum, and Steve Avila fundamentally change how multiple position groups function going into the new season.
This wasn’t about adding names. It was about rebuilding the spine of the roster.
Offensive Line: From Question Mark to Identity
The Falcons’ biggest offseason investment came up front, and the effect is immediate.
Key Additions
- LT Brian O’Neill (87 OVR)
- RT Elgton Jenkins (86 OVR)
- C Tyler Linderbaum (90 OVR)
- LG Steve Avila (79 OVR)
What Changes
This offensive line goes from inconsistent to elite at the point of attack and in pass protection.
- O’Neill stabilizes the blind side with high awareness and elite pass-blocking grades. His presence allows the offense to expand deeper dropbacks and longer-developing concepts.
- Jenkins gives the right side a veteran anchor who can handle speed rushers and interior stunts, reducing protection breakdowns.
- Linderbaum instantly becomes the offensive line centerpiece. His combination of intelligence, athleticism, and leverage elevates communication, combo blocks, and run-game efficiency.
- Avila adds power and physicality inside, giving the Falcons a tone-setter who thrives in gap schemes and short-yardage situations.
Ripple Effect
- Young linemen like Caleb Lomu and Garrett Dellinger now develop behind proven veterans instead of being forced into early starts.
- The run game becomes more versatile — inside zone, duo, and power concepts all become viable.
- Quarterbacks benefit from cleaner pockets and more consistent protection rules.
Overall Impact:
This unit shifts the Falcons from “protecting to survive” to controlling games in the trenches.
Secondary: From Depth Concerns to Matchup Flexibility
The Falcons also reinforced the back end with a crucial addition.
Key Addition
- CB Greg Newsome II (84 OVR)
What Changes
Newsome slides into an already talented secondary and gives the Falcons something they lacked: reliable man-coverage versatility.
Paired with:
- AJ Terrell Jr. (Superstar, 89 OVR)
- Terrion Arnold (Star, 82 OVR)
…the Falcons can now rotate coverage responsibilities without exposing mismatches.
Ripple Effect
- Terrell doesn’t have to shadow every WR1.
- Arnold can be deployed more aggressively in press-man looks.
- Zone specialists like D.J. James and MJ Devonshire are better protected by matchup flexibility.
- Safeties such as Billy Bowman Jr. benefit from more predictable coverage leverage underneath.
Overall Impact:
The secondary transitions from “bend but don’t break” to dictating route concepts.
How These Moves Reshape Position Groups
Quarterback
- Cleaner pockets
- Better pre-snap identification via Linderbaum
- More time for deep concepts to develop
Running Backs
- Improved interior blocking
- More efficient cutback lanes
- Greater success in short-yardage and red zone situations
Wide Receivers
- Protection allows more vertical route trees
- Slot receivers benefit from extended plays
- Timing-based concepts become more reliable
Defense
- Corners can play tighter coverage knowing help exists
- Front seven gains extra seconds to generate pressure
- Defensive play-calling expands with confidence in coverage
Big Picture: Veteran Backbone, Youth on the Edges
The Falcons didn’t just sign veterans — they signed structure.
- The offensive line now has a clear hierarchy and identity.
- The secondary gains matchup answers instead of coverage compromises.
- Young players develop in defined roles, not survival mode.
This offseason wasn’t flashy — it was foundational. And because of that, it may end up being one of the most important roster-building phases the Falcons have executed in years.
