As the Atlanta Falcons begin their 60th season, there have been several players who have etched their names into team lore. However, their history of game-changing free agents is a relatively short one.

Free agency is still relatively new to the NFL, and for the first two-thirds of their existence, the Falcons had owners who were more content to lose free agents than spend to be competitive in the league.

That changed with Arthur Blank in 2002.

Still, coming up with a list of the best Falcons free agents of all time, it’s hard to come up with names. Center Alex Mack immediately comes to mind. Mack signed with the Falcons in 2016 and went to four Pro Bowls with the club.

After just two seasons in Atlanta, safety Jessie Bates III is firmly in the discussion as well. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich would likely cast his vote that direction. Ulbrich has a lot of young players who were high draft picks at camp, as well as some established veterans.

He was asked this week if anyone has stood out to him that he’s the most excited to work with.

“Can I say Jessie Bates,” Ulbrich answered with a smile. “Captain Obvious a little bit. He’s one of the best safeties I’ve ever been around playing or coaching. His stuff above the neck is one of one as far as I’m concerned.”

Bates is halfway through a four-year, $64-million contract he signed in 2023. He made the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro that season and was inexplicably left off both lists in 2024.

Seeing how smart Bates is has already made an impression on Ulbrich.

“His ability to see this game, probably better than most coaches I’ve ever been around,” said Ulbrich.

Bates will likely be paired with rookie Xavier Watts at safety this year, and fellow rookie Billy Bowman Jr. could see extensive playing time at nickel as well. Having Bates in the backfield will pay dividends beyond his play on the field.

“As we’re installing new defenses, I’m just looking at him and his body language, and he’s like searching in the sky for like ‘where do my plays live within this defense?’ It’s just so unique. And the questions he asks are so deliberate, intentional,” said Ulbrich.

Ulbrich summed up Bates’s approach and the leadership he provides on the backside of the defense.

“He doesn’t want to just know it, he wants to master it. It’s very unique in that way.”

With two years left on his contract, Bates turned 28 in February. He has several years of prime football left in the tank. He should be even better moving forward now that the Falcons have finally invested in pressure players in front of him.

Pressured quarterbacks make bad decisions, and when they do, Jessie Bates will anticipate and pounce.

Amyl and the Sniffers performed to a huge crowd at the Eastern on Thursday evening. The Australian band, fronted by vocalist Amy Taylor, blends influences of pop, rock and punk in their music. They are known for their high energy, frenetic live shows. Here, check out the scenes photographer Perry Julien captured at the show.

Photograph by Perry Julien

Photograph by Perry Julien

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Photograph by Perry Julien

Photograph by Perry Julien

Photograph by Perry Julien

Photograph by Perry Julien

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The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. A glaring weakness was exposed—their lack of a dominant center. Now, a surprising trade proposal suggests they could fix that problem by acquiring Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a True Center

The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles against the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted their need for a reliable center. Rudy Gobert dominated in Game 5, putting up 27 points and 24 rebounds. Without a strong interior presence, Los Angeles was outmatched. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka previously tried to address this issue: “Rob Pelinka made calls to the Atlanta Hawks at this past February’s trade deadline in hopes of acquiring big man, Onyeka Okongwu before ultimately deciding on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, before Williams failed a physical, which forced the trade to be rescinded.”With the offseason approaching, the Lakers may revisit a deal for Okongwu.

Proposed Trade Details

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LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Makoto Kokushi. Image via: LM Otero/ AP | Los Angeles Lakers/ Instagram

Here’s how the trade could work according to Colby Faria of the Sporting News:

Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers

– Onyeka Okongwu’s Production: He averaged career highs of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in under 28 minutes. – Contract Value: He’s owed just $15 million per year for the next two seasons—a reasonable price for a starting-caliber center. – Defensive Upgrade: His athleticism and rim protection would significantly improve the Lakers’ interior defense.

Why the Atlanta Hawks Might Consider It

– Future Assets: A 2031 unprotected first-round pick could be valuable if the Lakers struggle in the future. – Youth Movement: Knecht is a promising young player who fits a rebuilding timeline. – Financial Flexibility: Moving Okongwu’s salary could help the Hawks reshape their roster.

What’s Next for the Los Angeles Lakers?

If this trade happens, the Los Angeles Lakers finally secure a long-term answer at center. Okongwu’s energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility would complement LeBron James, allowing him to play his natural power forward position more often. For the Hawks, this deal signals a shift toward future flexibility rather than immediate contention.Also read: NBA Trade Rumor: Golden State Warriors predicted to send $215,353,664 superstar to Boston Celtics in a blockbuster 3-way tradeThis offseason could define the Lakers’ direction. If Pelinka pulls off this move, it might be the game-changing addition they need to return to title contention.