The Atlanta Falcons are approaching the NFL’s roster deadline, set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as they finalize decisions on their initial 53-man lineup for the 2025 season.
Predictions about how the roster will be split between offense and defense have been circulating, including projections from members of the Falcons’ editorial team. Tori McElhaney and Will McFadden both predicted a defense-heavy roster with 28 defensive players and 22 offensive players, while another estimate came close with a split of 27 to 23 in favor of defense.
Looking at league-wide trends from last year, out of the NFL’s 32 teams, 13 had more defensive players than offensive players on their opening rosters. The Falcons were among these teams, carrying 26 defensive and 24 offensive players. The Philadelphia Eagles had the most pronounced difference with a roster consisting of 28 defensive and 22 offensive players. Additionally, another group of 13 teams chose to balance their rosters evenly between offense and defense with 25 each. Only six teams opted for more offensive than defensive players.
The Falcons’ historical approach aligns closely with these patterns. Over the past decade, Atlanta has posted five equally split rosters, four that favored defense, and just one that was heavier on offense.
The team’s offseason strategy has focused on strengthening its defense. “That began with the coaching staff, when the Falcons hired defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg and defensive line coach Nate Ollie.” Six out of ten external free agent signings were for defensive positions; similarly, four out of eleven internal re-signings also bolstered the defense.
During this year’s draft process, Atlanta selected two defenders in the first round—a first since general manager Terry Fontenot joined in 2021—and ultimately used four out of five picks to reinforce that side of the ball.
Given these developments and recent history across both league-wide practices and within their own organization, it would not be unexpected if Atlanta opts for a roster weighted toward its revamped defense when final cuts are announced Tuesday.
