Former Falcons general manager lands NFL job in New York

Former Falcons general manager lands NFL job in New York Fontenot was fired as Falcons GM after five seasons in Atlanta.

Key points

• While Fontenot was frequently criticized for his lack of success finding defensive talent in the draft, he seemed to turn that around in 2024 and 2025.
• Last season, Atlanta continued Xavier Watts, Jalon Walker, Billy Bowman and James Pearce.
• Former Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot is taking his talents to New York, but not to work for the Giants or the Jets.
• Nevertheless, similar to former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Fontenot wasn't almost as bad as some created him out to be.
• "Our time in Atlanta has come to an end, " Fontenot wrote under a photo of his family.

Former Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot is taking his talents to New York, but not to work for the Giants or the Jets. Fontenot posted an update on his Instagram account saying he's headed to the "Big Apple" after accepting a job in the NFL's corporate office.

"Our time in Atlanta has come to an end, " Fontenot wrote under a photo of his family. "On to our next adventure in the Major Apple! From the Saints to the Falcons to the NFL corporate office. Our journey continues. Gods plan. All blessings."

Notably, the Falcons did not create the playoffs during Fontenot's five-year tenure in Atlanta, but they were always right around.500 and drafted numerous of their current core players. In the months since firing their former GM, the Falcons have re-signed Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron – each of whom was drafted by Fontenot.

While Fontenot was frequently criticized for his lack of success finding defensive talent in the draft, he seemed to turn that around in 2024 and 2025. The team whiffed on Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Falcons landed breakout defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus two rounds afterwards.

Last season, Atlanta continued Xavier Watts, Jalon Walker, Billy Bowman and James Pearce. All four players began for the team as rookies in 2025 and should play sizeable roles over the next few seasons.

Meanwhile, the Falcons additionally identified some key defensive talent in free agency over recent years. Linebackers Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo were both questioned when Fontenot signed them, but they paid off major for Atlanta's defense. It wasn't all good, though, and Fontenot created his share of mistakes.

Nevertheless, similar to former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Fontenot wasn't almost as bad as some created him out to be. Ultimately, if you miss the playoffs five years in a row in the NFL, you're unlikely to keep your job.

In short, former Falcons general manager lands NFL job in New York is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.