Falcons Fan Favorite Is Sadly Not Likely to Make Final Roster

Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks (15) holds the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks (15) holds the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons are busy preparing for their first preseason game, coming up Friday night against the Detroit Lions in an official chapter-turning moment. Michael Penix Jr. is the quarterback in charge now, and while he won't play, his development is all that truly matters.

With no Penix, Friday night and the next week of practice become about evaluating the depth on the roster and finding diamonds in the rough. This rookie class prioritized defensive upgrades, and the franchise is hopeful that Atlanta can take a big step forward to win the NFC South and compete in the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the organization's great work in building the skill-position groups has left one fan-favorite tight end on the outside looking in.

Falcons TE Feleipe Franks Likely Won't Make 53-Man Roster

27-year-old pass-catching weapon Feleipe Franks, who transitioned from quarterback standout to tight end at the professional level, will have a tough time making the roster. Originally an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas, Franks first spent three seasons at Florida, realizing he'd need to change his position in the NFL.

He reunited with the Falcons in March after spending 2024 with the Carolina Panthers. He's suited up for 36 games in his career with just one start, rushing for six yards and catching one pass for 12 yards.

The 6-foot-6, 241-pound athlete is a solid blocking tight end, but Franks is fairly clearly desperately holding onto his football mortality.

Kyle Pitts, who is turning heads in camp, Charlie Woerner, and Teagan Quitoriano are all ahead of Franks on the projected depth chart. Unless Atlanta surprises by keeping four tight ends, Franks projects as a practice-squad type of player at best. He's only on a one-year deal, and based on how the franchise likely views Pitts, there's no real path to playing time for the ex-QB.

Franks was always a threatening dual-threat option, rushing for seven TDs as a sophomore while tossing 24 TDs to just six interceptions. There was a clear thought that he'd be a highly-coveted prospect, though inaccuracy and decision-making issues derailed things.

He's carved out a nice career for himself and displayed a team-first mentality by switching to tight end. Regardless, it's hard to see how the Falcons have space for him on the roster.

There's still time for Franks to change the coaching staff's mind. If he performs well in the preseason, maybe he can carve out a role. It's unlikely, but fans are hoping the vet sticks around for a few more weeks at the least.

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