GM Terry Fontenot is the Architect of the Atlanta Falcons’ Future

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot will enter his fourth season with the team in his current role. Fontenot’s journey to GM began with a strong reputation in talent evaluation. After serving in scouting roles with both the New Orleans Saints and the Falcons, he impressed leadership with a deep understanding of player traits and fit.

In January 2021, the Falcons turned to him to oversee football operations a signal they wanted a new blueprint rooted in evaluation and strategic growth. In an article earlier this year Terrin Waack, Fontenot talk about the Falcons not having the season he envisioned.

“I’m going to be real clear that we haven’t done a good enough job — I haven’t done a good enough job,” Fontenot said. “We haven’t won enough. When you haven’t won enough, it starts with me. It’s my job to make this team a consistent winner.”

Fontenot On the Hot Seat

One of Fontenot’s first moves was ensuring draft capital: re-acquiring or preserving second-round picks early in his tenure. This allowed flexibility to target key positions and value-driven prospects. He’s shown a focus on skill, athleticism, and character—often emphasizing traits that align with the Falcons’ emerging culture.

The Falcons ended last season with their seventh consecutive losing season after going 8-9. Fontenot is also on his second head coach in five years as he continues to try and find the winning formula.

Fontenot’s leadership is a balancing act between sustainable roster development and immediate on-field accountability. With strong draft classes behind him and significant roster holes still being filled, this upcoming season could determine whether his methodical strategy pays off or stalls under playoff pressure.

As the team continues to evolve, Fontenot’s role is crucial: architect of both the roster and organizational mindset. His successes and setbacks will chart the trajectory of the Falcons’ next chapter.

Fontenot Draft Classes

Fontenot drafts have been marked by balance: pairing blue-chip takeaways like well-regarded offensive players and defensive pass rushing prospects with under-the-radar finds in young athletes with developmental upside and a team-first mindset. It’s clear each pick must serve both a roster need and a cultural fit.

As the general manager, Atlanta has drafted great offensive players such as Drake London, Bijan Robinson, QB Michael Penix Jr., and pass-rushers in the 2025 draft. Robinson has been one of his better picks during his tenure as he is always impressed with his maturity.

“It is very impressive the way he’s handled himself, because it is (a lot). He has a lot put on him, and I know the coaches and this staff (have) a plan of exactly how to go through it, but he’s handled everything in stride. When you have a player like that, there is a lot of pressure in every area as you talk about handling adversity.

When you talk about handling ups and downs, you have to be able to handle off-the-field stuff. But I would say he has a rare maturity about himself. The first time we met him, and I think back to when we spent time with him in Austin, Texas, you saw a rare maturity. You’ve seen someone who has handled everything in stride. We fully expect him to handle things (in Atlanta) the same way,” said Fontenot.

Terry Fontenot brings a disciplined, long-range perspective to building the Falcons. Through smart drafting, intentional veteran additions, and a culture rooted in development, he’s shaping a foundation aimed at sustained success. The next few seasons will test the effectiveness of his plan but so far, he’s laid the groundwork for something lasting in Atlanta.