The Atlanta Falcons have lost a few key pieces to their defense already this offseason, the latest being edge Arnold Ebiketie, who signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The writing was on the wall with their former second-round draft pick, considering the Falcons agreed to terms with veteran defensive end Samson Ebukam earlier in the day.
Ebiketie’s loss will surely be felt, but the addition of Ebukam hopes to offset the departure.
Ebukam departed from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, where he made his 2025 comeback after missing the entire 2024 season with an Achilles tear.
The contract details have yet to be released, but the risk likely isn’t high, given the former Los Angeles Rams draft pick isn’t very far removed from a serious injury.
Falcons Pass Rush Overhaul
The Atlanta Falcons are undergoing a bit of a makeover on the defensive side of the ball, especially with their edges.
After finishing with the second-most sacks in the league in 2025 (57), the Falcons may not be as explosive off the edge as they were last season, given the uncertainty with some of their players.
James Pearce Jr.’s current legal situation hangs like a dark cloud over the organization, but fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker had some strong moments in his rookie season, too, and is a positive presence.
Walker finished with 5.5 sacks last season, third-most on the team.
With Ebiketie gone, Atlanta has brought in Ebukam and former New York Giants draft pick Azeez Ojulari.
Ojulari is an interesting player; he has a lot of upside given his physical abilities, but hasn’t been able to put it all together quite yet due to unfortunate injuries. He appeared in only three games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025.
Over his Giants career, the former Georgia Bulldog racked up 22 sacks, and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is likely hoping he can tap into that potential.
Ebukam is also a gamble in his own right. His 2023 season was arguably the best of his career, recording 9.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Tragically, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp, and it cost him the entire 2024 season.
He tried to work his way back in 2025, but only ended up playing 43% of defensive snaps. We’ll see if he, Ojulari, and Walker can recreate Pearce Jr.’s production in 2026.
Falcons Add a Linebacker Into the Mix
Ebukam wasn’t the only addition the Atlanta Falcons made to their defense on Thursday, signing former Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris to a one-year, $3 million contract, per NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.
After losing linebacker Kaden Ellis to their vaunted rival, the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons needed a replacement and found one in Harris.
Harris was a tackling machine for the Texans, racking up 206 over his four-year career.
Unfortunately, the 2022 third-round pick struggles to stay on the field and has appeared in only 46 of 68 possible games since being drafted.
It makes sense why Harris was forced to sign the one-year, prove-it deal, but if there’s anyone who can develop a linebacker, it’s Ulbrich.
The Atlanta defensive coordinator has a knack for coaching up his backers. Just look at Ellis and Divine Deablo this past season.
Even going back to his New York Jets days, he helped develop Quincy Williams into an All-Pro and coached up Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million deal.
Despite all the moving parts on the defense this offseason, Falcons fans should rest easy knowing they have one of the best defensive minds in football on their sideline, and he will certainly help with the multiple transitions.
Falcons Pivot to Veteran Defensive End After Losing Arnold Ebiketie