The Atlanta Falcons enter 2026 with an entirely new look — new president of football operations (Matt Ryan, yes that Matt Ryan), new head coach (Kevin Stefanski), new GM (Ian Cunningham), and potentially a new starting quarterback. After an 8-9 season and major roster turnover, the Falcons are embracing a reset in a winnable NFC South. Here's a complete camp preview.
Quarterback Battle: Tua vs. Penix
The most fascinating storyline of Falcons camp is the quarterback competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons shocked the league by signing Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.2 million deal — thanks to offset language in his Dolphins contract that covered the bulk of his salary. It's one of the best value signings of the offseason, giving Atlanta a legitimate starting option for pennies. Penix, the 2024 first-round pick, is coming off ACL reconstruction surgery and was inconsistent when healthy. Both are left-handed, which should ease the transition in practice. Stefanski's offense has historically been quarterback-friendly, and the Falcons will give both a real shot to win the job in camp. If neither works out, the Falcons have essentially a one-year trial before looking for a long-term answer in 2027.
Star Extensions
Drake London agreed to a four-year, $141 million extension with $100 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. London has been the offense's focal point and will remain so regardless of who's at quarterback. Tight end Kyle Pitts initially received the franchise tag before signing a three-year, $54 million deal with $36 million guaranteed over the next two seasons — a commitment that surprised some analysts given Pitts' inconsistency. Jahan Dotson was signed to a two-year, $15 million deal to provide experienced depth alongside London. Olamide Zaccheaus returned on a free agent deal, and Austin Hooper joined at tight end on a one-year, $3.25 million contract. Brian Robinson was signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal to bolster the running back room.
Notable Departures
The Falcons parted ways with several key contributors. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney departed in free agency. Kirk Cousins was released after the Tagovailoa signing. Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. Running back Tyler Allier and defensive tackle David Onyemata left in free agency. Cornerback Dee Alford also departed. The Falcons had limited draft capital after sending their first-round pick to Los Angeles the previous year, making it difficult to reload through the draft.
The Draft
Without a first-round pick, the Falcons' draft was solid but unspectacular. Cornerback Avieon Terrell (brother of A.J. Terrell) was selected in the second round. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch was added in the third round — a dynamic returner and slot weapon who could contribute immediately. The rest of the draft focused on offensive line depth and defensive backfield reinforcements. ESPN gave the Falcons a B- for their offseason, the lowest grade in the NFC South, citing a roster that's "neither significantly improved nor worsened" from last season.
2026 Schedule
The Falcons open at Pittsburgh in Week 1, then host Carolina in Week 2. A Thursday night trip to Green Bay (Week 3) is followed by a Monday night showdown at New Orleans (Week 4). The schedule includes a Sunday Night Football matchup against Baltimore at home (Week 5), a London game against Cincinnati (Week 9), and a home game against Kansas City (Week 10). The bye comes in Week 11. The Falcons have back-to-back divisional games to close the season: Week 16 at home against Tampa Bay (flex), Week 17 vs. New Orleans, and Week 18 at Carolina. The NFC South is up for grabs, and the Falcons' Week 17 game against the Saints could decide the division.
Camp Outlook
The Tagovailoa-Penix battle will dominate headlines. Can the offensive line — which lost key pieces — protect whoever wins the job? Can London and Pitts live up to their massive extensions? Stefanski's track record suggests the offense will be schemed well, but the quarterback question looms over everything. The Falcons are 8-9 potential. The division is there for the taking if either quarterback plays well.
Marcus Bennett
Marcus Bennett breaks down games with a focus on style, pace, momentum, and matchup factors that help readers better understand the betting board.