Jun 12, 2026 10:39 PM
With Drake London's extension complete, attention turns to Kyle Pitts, the quarterback battle, and Atlanta's playoff outlook. This week's Falcons Roundtable sees Tua Tagovailoa emerging as the favorite for Week 1 while expectations continue to rise under Kevin Stefanski.
The offseason continues for the Atlanta Falcons and their new regime. After signing their star wide receiver Drake London to a massive contract extension, the immediate question moves to what's next for the franchise.
As the team looks to build up the momentum of their defense last season and the addition of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons still have plenty of things to figure out before they kick off week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On this week's Falcons Roundtable, we discuss some of the offseason storylines and narratives.
Would the Falcons actually consider trading Kyle Pitts if they do not reach an extension before the July 15 deadline?
Michael Brauner: To me, this does not feel all that likely. Atlanta did not franchise tag Pitts, so they could turn around and trade him. It seems like they still believe in him being a huge piece of this offense moving forward. An extension does not seem likely, but based on how much praise the new staff has given him since arriving, a trade seems even less likely.
Christian Rauh: Even though Atlanta is dealing with a new front office, I think the feelings for Kyle Pitts remain the same. He's been a name that has swirled at the NFL Trade Deadline for multiple years now, and yet he is still an Atlanta Falcon. I would not consider moving on from him. He is an elite talent that either Tua or Penix could utilize in a big way.
What is your gut feeling on how good this team can be as minicamp gets set to start?
MB: Obviously, there's some unanswered questions, mainly at the quarterback position, but either way, I am starting to grow more confident. The South is still ripe for the taking, Stefanski is a program builder, and the players seem to be buying in, and on paper, this is arguably the best roster in the division. Playoffs should be the expectation.
CR: If the looming issues with James Pearce Jr. are resolved to the point where he doesn't miss significant time, I believe they can be the best defense in the NFC South. If the offense keeps them in games and limits turnovers, my gut says they can find themselves in the postseason as division winners.
We predicted the starting quarterback for Week 1 two weeks ago. What is your opinion now, and has it changed?
MB: I'm still leaning Tua right now. Penix getting back on the field in a full 11 on 11 capacity could change things drastically, but momentum continues to build there, and if he has a great camp, he is going to be tough to beat out at least to begin the season.
CR: Changing my tune here and leaning more toward Tua as well. I believe that after the big extension for London and the need to ensure the weapons are utilized properly in a contract year, it is as important as ever; they lean on the veteran to at least begin the year. I can't get over how well I believe Tua will thrive under Stefanski's offensive scheme, mainly due to his aggressive usage of play action. There is a reason he was brought on this offseason.
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