It’s no secret that the Falcons prioritized their pass rush this offseason. But, it’s not clear yet if their plan to double-up on rookie pass rushers will work out exactly as they’ve planned. Even though the preseason just started, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes that Atlanta could, once again, be in the market for an edge rusher in the 2026 offseason.
Falcons May Need Power Rusher Like John Franklin-Myers to Balance Pass Rush
The Falcons have been looking to build a pass rush for a long time, but it’s hard to point to a year, at least in recent memory, where they’ve invested more at one position during an offseason. If they want to improve one of the league’s worst pass rush units, their two rookies will need to live up to their first-round status.
While it’s possible that Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. can raise the floor of the pass rush, they look to fit the profile of speed rushers. If the Falcons are looking to add more bulk and power at the position, Ballentine suggested that they pursue veteran edge rusher John Franklin-Myers next offseason.
While Walker and Pearce are “speed demons off the edge,” Ballentine wrote that Franklin-Myers’ power could make him “a perfect candidate” to balance out their pass rush.
“The 6’4″, 289-pound defensive lineman is a strong power rusher as a defensive end, but he also has the side to kick inside if necessary,” wrote Ballentine. “The Falcons could get creative with how they use all three of them if they sign him next offseason.”
2024 was the best season of his career so far, as he racked up a career-highs in tackles (40), tackles for loss (8) and sacks (7). So, if he can improve on last year’s performance, there should be plenty of teams interested in the veteran pass rusher next offseason.
Falcons Could Still Be in the Market for an Edge Rusher in 2026 Offseason
If the Falcons pass rush doesn’t pan out as planned this year, Atlanta could need to make a big move next offseason. In order to keep general manager Terry Fontenot from the hottest of hot seats, both Walker and Pearce will need to live up to the hype.
It’s always possible that things don’t pan out for Walker and Pearce, so it’s worth it to look ahead to next offseason. There could be plenty of high-level options on the free agent market in 2026, but Franklin-Myers is among the most experienced at the position.
According to Spotrac, Franklin-Myers’ projected market value could land near $17.5 million next offseason. But, as of now, he’s in the second year of a two-year, $15 million deal with the Broncos. So, Denver has gotten quite the bargain so far.
Franklin-Myers didn’t report for OTAs this offseason, so it’s clear that he is looking for a new contract. If the Broncos feel like they have serviceable options to replace the veteran defensive end, it’s possible that they could send him elsewhere before the conclusion of his two-year deal.
Last week, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed Franklin-Myers as the top player that the Broncos should put on the trade block, citing money as the main issue.
“The reality, though, is that Denver can’t pay everyone, and the 2018 fourth-rounder has only been with the franchise for one season,” Knox wrote. “He’ll turn 29 in September and should have quite a few good years ahead of him, but the Broncos may not consider him an integral long-term building block,” Knox continued.
Even if things pan out for the Falcons rookies, they still may be on the lookout for another quality edge rusher. John Franklin-Myers could step up and fill that role well.
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