Atlanta Falcons entered the 2025 NFL offseason without much of a salary cap. Lack of funds forced the team to let go of some key players. free agency. Former Falcons center Drew Dahlman has signed with the club. Chicago Bears and was just named to his first career Pro Bowl on Tuesday.
Linebacker Nate Landman also was not re-signed by Atlanta. The former undrafted free agent signed a one-year contract with the club. Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Landman played so well in the first half of the season that the Rams gave him a three-year contract extension.
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While allowing these two players to sign with another player may have seemed like a mistake, the team found productive replacements for Dahlman and Landman in free agency. Former backup center Ryan Neuzil replaced Dahlman and retained his position. Neuzil didn't make the Pro Bowl, but he's earning a fraction of what Dahlman got from Chicago.
The Falcons also landed a free-agent gem in Landman's replacement. Linebacker Devine Deablo signed a two-year, $14 million contract with Atlanta and has developed into one of the team's top defenders this season.
Deablo, Dalman and Landman each landed on Professional football' a list of the top 20 players to sign free agents in the 2025 NFL offseason.
PFF on Falcons LB Divine Deablo
The Falcons' 2025 campaign quickly took a wayward turn, leaving lingering doubts about the organization's leadership in 2026. However, Atlanta's defense has taken steps forward under Jeff Ulbrich, something Deablo has noticed. The former Raider was an under-the-radar addition but played like one of the league's best linebackers this season. Deablo's 76.9 overall PFF grade is sixth best at the position, and his 78.7 PFF coverage grade is second. Additionally, the 27-year-old has missed just 9.2% of his tackle attempts. Atlanta's defense still needs more help – likely in the defensive line and in coverage – but Deablo looks like a goalkeeper in the box. — Bradley Locker, PFF
At the time, fans had reservations about signing Deablo, but he quickly established himself as the leader of Jeff Ulbrich's defense. Deablo hopes for a bright future, as does Los Angeles-based Landman.
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PFF on Rams LB Nate Landman
Although the team's defensive line was particularly brutal, the positive play of players like Landman also played a major role. Landman was a surprise acquisition from the Falcons, but he performed as an above-average linebacker in Los Angeles. His overall PFF grade of 73.7 ranks 18th among qualifying players, and his PFF grade in run defense of 79.4 ranks 16th in the same group. Landman also ranks in the 81st percentile in PFF coverage grade (67.4) and in the 90th percentile in run-stopping rate (9.2%). The Rams were so impressed with Landman that they gave him a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension in late November. He's certainly helped shore up what was previously a shaky part of Chris Shula's defense. — Bradley Locker, PFF
The Bears signed Dahlman to a three-year, $42 million contract as a free agent, and the Falcons had no chance of matching. Dahlman helped propel Chicago to the top of the NFC North by bolstering the middle of the Bears' offensive line.
PFF on Bears C Drew Dahlman
The Bears have been one of the darlings of the NFL, and for good reason. Head coach Ben Johnson has led the NFC North-leading Chicago team to a miraculous turnaround, and his revamped offensive lineup has been the catalyst. This includes Dalman in the middle. The ex-Falcon played like one of the league's best centers in his first year with Caleb Williams. Dahlman's 78.4 overall PFF grade ranks sixth among qualified centers, and he's one of four at the position with a 71.0+ PFF pass-blocking and run-blocking grade. Additionally, his 0.39 WAR ranks third among his peers. — Bradley Locker, PFF
The Falcons will have even more big names in free agency in the 2026 offseason. Tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Tyler Allgaier and linebacker Caden Ellis will be looking for new contracts this offseason. Check out the full list free agents HERE.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Devine Deablo hit PFF free agent list
