ATLANTA, GA — June 19, 2025 — The Atlanta Falcons are making major moves as they prepare for what could be a defining season in 2025. Sources close to the organization have confirmed that three veteran NFL stars are on the verge of joining the team: wide receiver Mike Evans, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
If finalized, these additions would signal a clear intent from the Falcons’ front office — they’re no longer rebuilding, they’re ready to contend.
Mike Evans: Elite Target for a Young Offense
Few receivers in the NFL boast the résumé of Mike Evans. The 31-year-old wideout has been one of the most consistent producers at his position since entering the league in 2014. Known for his towering 6’5” frame, precise route running, and elite contested-catch ability, Evans has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his career — a remarkable feat that solidified his Hall of Fame trajectory.
Pairing Evans with rising star quarterback Kirk Cousins (or potentially a young successor) gives Atlanta an immediate, proven WR1. Alongside talented pass catchers like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, Evans’ arrival could transform the Falcons’ aerial attack into one of the most dangerous in the NFC.
Za’Darius Smith: Veteran Pass-Rushing Help
Defense wins championships, and Atlanta’s been keen on bolstering theirs. Za’Darius Smith, the 32-year-old Pro Bowl edge rusher, still has gas in the tank and offers precisely what the Falcons have lacked in recent years: consistent quarterback pressure.
With three double-digit sack seasons on his résumé, Smith brings more than just numbers — he brings leadership and playoff experience from his stints with Green Bay, Baltimore, and Cleveland. Pairing him with emerging talents like Arnold Ebiketie gives the Falcons a much more balanced, dangerous pass rush that could finally disrupt opposing NFC South quarterbacks like Derek Carr and Bryce Young.
Stephon Gilmore: Lockdown Experience in the Secondary
The addition of Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year, would add gravitas to Atlanta’s secondary. At 34, Gilmore may no longer be in his prime, but his instincts, technique, and football IQ remain top-tier.
Last season with Dallas, Gilmore demonstrated he can still go toe-to-toe with elite receivers, making timely plays and providing a steady veteran presence in the locker room. In Atlanta, he’d serve as a mentor to cornerbacks like A.J. Terrell while anchoring the defensive backfield on the opposite side of the field.
A Clear Message: Atlanta’s All-In
These three potential additions are not just about stats — they’re about culture. The Falcons have quietly assembled one of the most promising young rosters in the NFC, but what’s been missing is championship-level leadership. With Evans, Smith, and Gilmore, Atlanta would be adding players who have played in big games, handled pressure, and know how to win in the postseason.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has often spoken about building for “sustained success,” but these rumored signings indicate a front office ready to accelerate that timeline. After years of hovering in mediocrity, the message for 2025 is simple:
Atlanta’s not rebuilding anymore. They’re coming.
