Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Friday, Jan. 15

Lots of movement on the general manager and head coach search. We cover that and more Falcons news and notes in Friday’s Falcoholinks.

Terry Fontenot reported as the favorite for GM job

The Falcons may soon have their vacant general manager position filled. Numerous reports have emerged that Saints VP/Assistant GM for Pro Personnel Terry Fontenot is the favorite to land Atlanta’s general manager gig.

With the Lions hiring Brad Holmes, another candidate interviewed by the Falcons, it’s looking more and more likely that Atlanta hires away Fontenot from their arch rival.

And as is the case with the hiring carousel: While Atlanta may be about to bring in a new general manager, they could potentially lose one member of the front office, as Football Ops Director Nick Polk is drawing interest for GM openings.

Arthur Smith reported front-runner as HC

The Falcons held not one, but two interviews with current Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Wednesday, and news has been circulating that Smith can be considered the front-runner to secure the head coaching job in Atlanta.

As for the ongoing search for a new GM and HC, the crew at The Falcoholic Live covered that topic on Wednesday evening.

Priority re-signings on offense

So who should be on the top of the Falcons’ list to ink to new contracts in the offseason? There are a few players on offense with expiring contracts that the Falcons would be remiss to let walk away.

The contract work is going to be hefty as we move into the offseason, as the Falcons have the fewest players under contract for the 2021 NFL season.

Roster review: Tight ends

How is the TE spot looking for the 2021 season? The Falcons have Hayden Hurst locked in on his rookie deal for 2021, but it’s a position they will need to address in free agency and the draft.

MOOOOOCKS

Our Kevin Knight just dropped his first mock for TheFalcoholic dot com, and this one features a trade scenario in the first round. The Falcons have plenty of options sitting at No. 4 on the draft board, so it’s worth exploring all variety of scenarios that could play out on draft day.

The future and Julio Jones

Julio Jones has never entered an offseason the way he’s entered 2021, with actual questions circulating about his future role on the team and whether the Falcons might explore options of moving on from the best receiver in franchise history.

We weighed some of the possibilities for Julio moving forward, and would like your input on what you think is the likeliest scenario.