Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot addressed questions about the future of several key players during a press conference at training camp in Flowery Branch. The discussion centered on contract situations for players such as Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Kirk Cousins, all of whom are entering important stages in their careers with the team.
Fontenot was asked about the number of players playing for their next contract this season. “Is it a bunch?” Fontenot replied with a smile, acknowledging that several players are indeed approaching pivotal contract years. Among those mentioned were Tyler Allgeier, Troy Andersen, Arnold Ebiketie, as well as high-profile starters like Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Kaleb McGary’s future was also referenced.
The status of quarterback Kirk Cousins remains a significant topic for the organization. Fontenot reiterated his approach to not discussing contract negotiations publicly and emphasized the importance of communication within the team.
“One good thing that we have here is that we communicate really well with the players. And the players, at any point, they’re sitting down with Raheem (Morris), sitting down with me, we communicate with the agents — there are all different situations, different circumstances, but the mentality of our guys is really cool. Our guys, just being real, they don’t really think like that,” Fontenot said. “… There really is an unselfishness that they know that if they keep their head down, stay focused and do their job, then things are going to go well, whether here or somewhere else.”
When asked specifically about Kyle Pitts’ future in Atlanta as he plays on his fifth-year option in 2025 and seeks a new contract, Fontenot stated: “I will say this about Kyle: Kyle, when we are talking about guys showing up in great shape and showing up in the right way, Kyle did the same thing. We’re managing him in the offseason the right way and in the summer those guys really did a lot of work together. He showed up in great shape and with his mentality — so just continuing to build chemistry with Mike (Penix) and with his teammates, we love where Kyle is right now.”
Drake London’s potential extension has drawn attention following other recent wide receiver deals around the league. While no timeline has been given for London’s extension talks or announcement—past Falcons extensions have varied significantly—Fontenot praised London’s character and work ethic.
Fontenot said: “We won’t talk specifically about the contract but I understand the question and why you ask it. And we do love Drake. It’s all positive with him. It’s not always just about the production, but its the mentality and the type of person Drake is and the way he carries himself, the way he works. Everything that we preach that we want to be, he’s about those things. It’s no different from the way we talk about Chris Lindstrom as a guard, we know the skills he has as a guard but the way he carries himself, the consistent worker, the mentality … We love (Drake) so much, love his mentality. We just wouldn’t talk specifically about the contracts.”
He added: “There are times that you study the market and there are times where going early to the market can be beneficial, but there are also times looking historically that it’s OK to wait until the appropriate time,” Fontenot explained. We weigh those factors and we are constantly studying things that come in and studying the market to anticipate things.
“But we’re real clear about how we feel about Drake.”
Regarding Kirk Cousins’ role on this year’s roster amid ongoing speculation over depth chart changes due to injuries or cutdowns elsewhere around NFL rosters heading into training camp’s conclusion:
Fontenot said: “Kirk has been the ultimate professional. I think Raheem said this: Outside it’s a lot more of a deal than it is in the building. He shows up. He does his job. Our job is to do the best for this football team. Our job is to be experts on the other 31 teams, and to be an expert on our team… Kirk — just like all other players — is focused on doing their job… But he’s been a great professional and he has handled himself well.”
The Falcons’ front office continues to evaluate player performance while keeping options open regarding contracts or roster moves throughout training camp.
