The Atlanta Falcons open up training camp on July 23 and have their eyes set on taking a step forward in 2025.
Following the upcoming season, the Falcons have several players hitting the open market, and not everyone will be able to return. Linebacker Arnold Ebiketie is one of the players who likely won't re-sign with the Falcons due to pricing himself out of their budget.
2025 Will Likely Be Arnold Ebiketie’s Last Year with Falcons
Ebiketie was a 2022 second-round pick by Atlanta and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Penn State product started slow in 2022 before posting six sacks in each of his last two seasons. In 50 career games, he had 93 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 35 quarterback hits, and 14.5 sacks.
The 26-year-old has recorded 28-plus QB pressures in consecutive seasons. He can win with speed around the corner, and with him slated to hit the open market, a team could easily offer him a lucrative deal that will get him out of Atlanta.
Drafting up-and-coming disruptors Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round of this past draft showcases that the Falcons believe they will be the duo of the future. It wouldn't make sense to turn around to extend Ebiketie, which would only take away reps from the aforementioned duo.
Instead of giving the Penn State product a multi-year extension, it makes sense to give Walker and Pearce the space to grow.
Ebiketie will also see the best matchups up front that he's experienced during his time in Atlanta. With more juice added to the defensive line, he may see more favorable matchups, which could lead to an uptick in production.
Teams in the NFL are always looking for pass rushers, and Ebiketie looks like the type of guy who could get those offers. He'll be 27 years old in the prime of his career going into the 2026 season. The next couple of seasons may be the best years of his career, but there's a shot it won't happen in Atlanta.