Tyler Allgeier’s Role in Question: Could Atlanta Falcons Be Preparing for a Kyren Williams-Style Backup Plan?

The Atlanta Falcons’ running back situation has become a topic of increasing speculation among fans and analysts alike. With Tyler Allgeier entering the final year of his rookie contract and showing flashes of promise without consistently delivering as a lead back, questions are mounting about Atlanta’s long-term plans at the position. Recent commentary suggesting Allgeier could be replaced by an “out of this world” running back — potentially in a scenario similar to the Kyren Williams and Blake Corum dynamic — has ignited debate about what the Falcons might be building toward.

To assess the validity of these claims and understand the Falcons’ actual trajectory, it’s essential to examine Allgeier’s performance, the team’s offensive scheme under head coach Raheem Morris, and the broader context of NFL running back valuation in 2024.

Who Is Tyler Allgeier? A Review of His NFL Career So Far

Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Brigham Young University, Tyler Allgeier arrived with a reputation as a physical, downhill runner capable of breaking tackles and contributing in short-yardage situations. Over his first two seasons, he has logged 275 carries for 1,083 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.

In 2023, Allgeier saw increased workload due to injuries to rookie sensation Bijan Robinson, rushing for 683 yards and five touchdowns on 162 carries (4.2 YPC). While his production improved with opportunity, he struggled to establish himself as a true every-down back, particularly in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield — two critical components in Morris’ offensive system.

Pro Football Focus rated Allgeier as a below-average run blocker in 2023, highlighting a potential mismatch with the Falcons’ emphasis on versatile backs who can handle third-down duties and protect quarterback Desmond Ridder (or his successor).

Pro Football Focus – Tyler Allgeier Profile

NFL.com – Tyler Allgeier Stats

The Kyren Williams/Blake Corum Comparison: What Does It Mean?

The reference to a “Kyren Williams/Blake Corum situation” likely alludes to how the Los Angeles Rams used Williams as a primary bell-cow back in 2023 after Darrell Henderson’s departure, while simultaneously developing Corum as a high-upside, change-of-pace complement with elite receiving skills and vision. Williams finished 2023 with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, proving capable of handling a lead role when given the opportunity.

Corum, meanwhile, entered the league with a reputation for patience, vision, and pass-catching ability — traits that align more closely with modern NFL ideals than Allgeier’s more traditional power-running profile.

If the Falcons are indeed considering a similar path, it would suggest they view Allgeier as a capable short-yardage and goal-line option but not a true three-down back. In that case, Atlanta might be targeting a more dynamic, pass-savvy runner in the 2025 NFL Draft or via free agency to pair with or eventually replace him — much like the Rams did with Williams and Corum.

Los Angeles Rams – Kyren Williams 2023 Season Review

Detroit Lions – Blake Corum Player Page

Are the Falcons Actually Planning to Replace Allgeier?

As of June 2024, there has been no official statement from the Atlanta Falcons indicating plans to replace Tyler Allgeier in the immediate future. Head coach Raheem Morris has publicly praised Allgeier’s work ethic and toughness, calling him “a guy who gives you everything he’s got” during offseason practices.

However, the Falcons did invest heavily in the running back position in 2022 by selecting Bijan Robinson eighth overall — a pick that signaled a commitment to building a premium backfield. Robinson, now entering his third season, is expected to reclaim the lead role in 2024, which would naturally reduce Allgeier’s opportunities regardless of his performance.

With Robinson’s contract structured for a fifth-year option in 2025, the Falcons face a pivotal decision: either extend Allgeier as a backup and short-yardage specialist, or allow him to walk in free agency and invest in a younger, more versatile back who can complement Robinson’s skill set.

Given the declining market value of traditional power backs in today’s pass-heavy NFL, the latter scenario appears increasingly plausible.

Atlanta Falcons – Raheem Morris Training Camp Comments (June 2024)

Over the Cap – Tyler Allgeier Contract Details

What Kind of Back Would Fit Atlanta’s System Best?

Under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, the Falcons’ scheme emphasizes zone-blocking, play-action passing, and creating space for athletes to make plays in space. This favors running backs with elusiveness, vision, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield — areas where Allgeier has shown limited development.

Ideal complements to Bijan Robinson would include backs like:

• **Jaylen Wright** (Tennessee): A sudden, explosive runner with elite acceleration and receiving upside.
• **Blake Corum** (Michigan): Already referenced, offers patience, vision, and third-down reliability.
• **TJ Pledger** (Utah): A powerful, physical runner with improved pass-catching ability — a potential Allgeier 2.0 with more versatility.
• **Quinshon Judkins** (Ohio State): A bruiser with surprising agility who could thrive in Atlanta’s goal-line packages.

Any of these players could allow the Falcons to maintain a strong interior run game while adding the versatility needed to maximize Robinson’s talents and keep defenses honest.

The Athletic – 2024 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects

Key Takeaways

• Tyler Allgeier has shown toughness and short-yardage ability but lacks the versatility to be a true every-down back in Atlanta’s modern offensive scheme.
• With Bijan Robinson expected to lead the backfield in 2024, Allgeier’s role is likely to diminish regardless of performance.
• The Falcons may be positioning for a future where Allgeier is replaced by a more dynamic, pass-catching complement — similar to how the Rams utilized Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
• No official moves have been made to replace Allgeier as of mid-2024, but his contract situation and the team’s investment in Robinson suggest a transition is likely after the 2024 season.
• Atlanta’s ideal backup or successor would possess elusiveness, vision, and receiving skills — traits that align better with contemporary NFL values than traditional power running.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tyler Allgeier and the Falcons?

Tyler Allgeier’s immediate future with the Atlanta Falcons remains uncertain. While he enters 2024 as a valuable depth piece and short-yardage option, his long-term role is increasingly in question as the team continues to build around Bijan Robinson and prioritize versatility in the backfield.

Unless Allgeier makes significant strides in pass protection and as a receiver — areas rarely improved dramatically after a player’s second NFL season — the Falcons are likely to explore other options when his contract expires after the 2024 season.

For now, Allgeier will have training camp and preseason opportunities to prove he can evolve beyond his current limitations. But the writing may already be on the wall: in a league that values multidimensional weapons, being a one-dimensional runner — no matter how tough — may not be enough to secure a lasting role in Atlanta’s plans.

ESPN – Atlanta Falcons Team Page

NFL.com – 2024 Running Back Market Trends