The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of decisions to make before the 2026 season kicks off, and while much of the offseason buzz centers around their quarterback competition, the defense has its own share of uncertainty. According to a Falcons insider, linebacker has emerged as the team's biggest puzzle—and it's one that even the sharpest analysts are struggling to solve.

With defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich—a former NFL linebacker himself—leading the charge, the Falcons are hoping to solidify a unit that's been anything but predictable. Beyond the looming question of generating an edge rush if James Pearce Jr. faces a suspension, the linebacker corps remains a swirling mix of potential and question marks.

The Athletic's Josh Kendall recently broke down why this position group is so hard to forecast. "The lack of an obvious option means Bertrand could be in the mix for the job," Kendall wrote. "He has the benefit of a year in Ulbrich’s system, but doesn’t have the same type of athletic profile as Harris and Daniels, so he’s not an ideal scheme fit. With established starter Divine Deablo playing on the final year of his deal, linebacker is the Falcons’ hardest position to predict beyond this season."

Looking ahead to 2025, the picture gets even murkier. The Falcons invested a fourth-round pick in Kendal Daniels, signaling they see him as a long-term starter. But expecting immediate returns from a rookie, no matter how talented, isn't always realistic. That leaves a wide-open competition alongside Divine Deablo, who has one starting spot locked in. The other will likely come down to Troy Andersen, Christian Harris, or Daniels—but no one has seized the role just yet.

One intriguing possibility? Adding a seasoned veteran who can both start and mentor the young talent. With six-time All-Pro Bobby Wagner still available on the free-agent market, the Falcons could inject experience and leadership into a room that desperately needs both. For now, though, linebacker remains Atlanta's most unpredictable position—and one to watch as training camp approaches.