Falcons closing in on Terry Fontenot, Detroit Lions GM search narrowing

The general manager search around the NFL is starting to come into focus. After the Denver Broncos hired former Vikings assistant general manager George Paton on Wednesday, it appears the Atlanta Falcons may be narrowing in on their choice, as well. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, current Saints VP/assistant general manager of pro personnel Terry Fontenot is considered the favorite for the job now.

“They won’t do a deal until New Orleans is out of the playoffs, but signs point to him being the choice,” Rapoport tweeted on Thursday morning.

Fontenot was one of three reported finalists for the Falcons job, joining Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes and former Texans GM Rick Smith.

If Rapoport’s tweet is true, that likely opens up Holmes, who is currently considered the favorite in Detroit, to land the Lions job.

There are currently three other teams currently looking for a general manager: the Jaguars, Panthers and Washington Football Team. Holmes isn’t among the four finalists for the Panthers job. The Washington hunt has been quiet for a few days. And the Jaguars have not yet interviewed nor requested to interview Holmes.

In other words, if Holmes is their guy and he wants the job, the Lions are in the clear to hire him. Of course, he’s not the only candidate still in the running. Per Albert Breer, the Lions would also like to bring in Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds and Saints VP/assistant general manager of college personnel Jeff Ireland in for second interviews. Fontenot was also considered a finalist for the Lions job, but it appears that may now be off the table.