The Atlanta Falcons have been looking towards the offseason for weeks after being long ago eliminated from playoff contention. While two games are remianing on the season, there is very little meaning behind either of them. Atlanta doesn't hold their own 2026 first-round selection, leaving no motivation to tank and little interest in the final contests of the season.
With this in mind, fans are already looking at the coaching staff and roster, projecting who might be on their way out of Atlanta. The New Year approaching only adds to that sentiment, making it clear that these three Falcons won't be sticking around in 2026.
1. Zac Robinson, OC
While owner Arthur Blank should completely clean house when it comes to the coaching staff and front office, there is little faith that the right decision will be made. However, the very least that can be done is bringing in a new offensive coordinator capable of utilizing his weapons.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has refused to curtail his offense to what the starting quarterback does best. It is the same bland attack that frustrated fans a season ago and made it clear that Robinson must go.
An offense that has running back Bijan Robinson and wideout Drake London should never struggle to reach 20 points as consistently as the Falcons did in the 2025 season, having scored 10 or fewer points or been shut out four times. While firing the entire staff is still on the table, it is truly impossible to imagine a scenario where Robinson remains the OC heading into the 2026 season.
The need for coaching changes is further driven home by the fact that either eight or nine wins will be enough to win the NFC South in Week 18. A true dumpster fire of a division that the Falcons were eliminated from weeks ago. This demands accountability, and the name at the top of the list to be fired is Robinson.
2. Tyler Allgeier, RB
Parting ways with running back Tyler Allgeier has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with contract situations. Both Bijan and London are very quickly approaching needing to be paid, and the Falcons can't afford to lose either playmaker. Paying Allgeier ahead of hitting free agency this offseason simply doesn't fit within Atlanta's cap space. As much as fans want to see the duo remain together, it is implausible.
Allgeier was a starting option in his rookie season and put up over 1,000 rushing yards in what was an incredibly volatile offense. The back was playing in Arthur Smith's system with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder as the starting quarterbacks for the season. While it is understandable that the Falcons brought in the talent of Robinson, Allgeier has earned a shot at a starting job, averaging 4.3 yards per carry in his first four NFL seasons.
Spotrac lists his projected market value at $1.8 million annually, which is a number that could balloon if an RB-needy team is willing to overpay for Allgeier's services.
This is something in an underwhelming running back market that the back is likely to garner, earning a higher contract than the Falcons can match. As frustrating as this might be, it is the reality of having young talent at the same position. Allgeier is going to get a deserved chance, and the Falcons will be searching for an answer behind Bijan Robinson.
3. Darnell Mooney, WR
It appeared the Falcons have incredible stability at the receiver position heading into the 2025 season. A starting trio of London, Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud offered upside to go along with what was expected to be a dynamic run game. Instead, McCloud was cut in the middle of the season, and Mooney has suffered incredible regression. Last season, the veteran pass catcher finished with 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Now, with two games left in the season, Mooney has only totaled 388 yards and a lone touchdown while putting up an incredibly concerning drop rate. The regression and lack of chemistry with either Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins have made it obvious that it is time to turn the page. The Falcons need to search for a more reliable second option behind London.
While Mooney remains under contract, the Falcons can save $11.9 million in cap space by cutting or trading him after June 1. This seems the correct path to take after a season marred by inconsistency and frustrations.
Both sides could use a fresh start, making it obvious that Mooney won't be a Falcon for long in the New Year.