FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — As we await the arrival of Jeff Ulbrich to Atlanta as the Falcons next defensive coordinator, you all had a lot of questions about the unit in which he will officially take over.

We're talking defensive draft strategy, cornerback options opposite A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett's contract in this week's Mailbox.

Also, as a programming note, we will be moving the Mailbox to once per week in the offseason as opposed to twice a week. If you have questions or general inquiries about the Falcons this offseason, please submit those questions here.

Ron R. from Asheville, North Carolina

This would seem like a good year to replace the "best player available" philosophy with a "heavy on defense" outlook. It's a glaring need that has to be addressed. With the exception of Jessie Bates and our linebacker room, we need aggressive players with attitudes. Starting with the DC, Terry Fontenot needs to get serious about the defense if he really wants to be a winner.

Tori: Couldn't agree with you more, Ron. I have been mocking an edge rusher to the Falcons for three consecutive draft cycles. So, I get it. I think because of how confident you feel about the offense you've put together the last two years, especially, that you have to focus on the defense in the draft.

The Falcons have the No. 15 overall pick in this year's draft, and this class is particularly deep defensively. I think that specific pick at No. 15 is prime real estate for a cornerback or edge rusher. I also think the Falcons could look to obtain more draft capital if they move down in the draft, too, while also remaining in a spot to take a top defensive talent at — say — pick No. 24 or 25. But hey, we will see, right?

You're onto something, though. The time is now to invest in the defense. And you have invest correctly, because time is ticking to maximize this offensive group.

Sean C. from X/Twitter

@tori_mcelhaney what do you think the Falcons will do with Mike Hughes? I thought he had a good year, but know he is a free agent this year.

Tori: I don't hate the idea of bringing Mike Hughes back.

Hughes did very well opposite A.J. Terrell. He finished the year having only allowed 35 receptions on 55 targets for 358 yards allowed and two touchdowns after appearing in all but two games in 2024. A lot of people want to talk about the year that Terrell had — and they absolutely should — but I would argue Hughes simultaneously had one of his best years in the league in 2024, too. Does that warrant a return to Atlanta? Maybe.

I know I talked about potentially drafting a cornerback in the first round of this year's draft already in this Mailbox, and while I still believe that to be a prime option, if the Falcons do not feel that they have a corner they feel conviction about, who's to say they wouldn't entertain bringing Hughes back? It would be the first time in all of Terrell's years as a pro in Atlanta that he would have the same running mate from one year to the next. I have always said I wanted some stability opposite Terrell, especially in the last few years. There's a part of me that does believe Hughes could provide that if the Falcons wanted to bring him back for another year or two. I don't think this idea is out of the question.

Jon J. from Rome, Georgia

Surely the Falcons won't cut Grady Jarrett, right? I was looking at his contract and they could save a lot of money if they did... but it's GRADY.

Tori: Personally, I cannot fathom an Atlanta Falcons team without Grady Jarrett.

I think I may be closer to the story of Jarrett than most considering how much time I spent with Jarrett, his family and telling his story this past offseason. So, I will say that I am not particularly impartial when it comes to Jarrett. Because of everything he's been for Atlanta for much of the last decade, I believe he has earned the right to retire a Falcon. However, I also thought the same thing about Matt Ryan.

At the end of the day, though, this is a business. And the fact of the matter is that the Falcons would save quite a bit of money towards the cap if they were to part ways with Jarrett. According to OverTheCap.com, if the Falcons were to cut Jarrett prior to June 1, they would carry a dead money hit of $4.1 million while saving just over $16 million towards the cap.

Again, do I think this actually happens? That the Falcons really part ways with Jarrett after a decade in a Falcons uniform? No. I don't. But also (again), I realize I do have a lot of bias when it comes to Jarrett.