FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons News Now is your home base for everything happening in and around Flowery Branch, even when the games aren't on the schedule.
The offseason is where Sundays are built, and each week we bring you a clear-eyed look at how the Falcons are shaping the future: roster decisions, contract moves, draft buzz, coaching priorities and the players working to earn their next opportunity.
From front-office strategy and practice intel to emerging storylines and long-term vision, this isn't just a recap of headlines — it's context for what's coming next in Atlanta.
If it matters inside this building, it belongs here.
So if you eat, sleep, and breathe Falcons football, this is your inside edge all year long. Every move, every trend, every storyline, all in one place.
The News, Now
Key developments across the organization, from the front office to the coaching staff and everything in between
It's been a busy week at the Falcons' facility in Flowery Branch as the organization has officially signed 10 news players to the roster within the first couple days of the new league year, which began Wednesday afternoon. That number is expected to rise as more reports come in of signings.
Our 2026 Free Agency Tracker is the place to go for all of your free agency news and updates, but here's a quick look back at some — not all — of the biggest headlines:
— The Falcons officially signed QB Tua Tagovailoa to a reported one-year deal Friday afternoon. That morning, general manager Ian Cunningham spoke to local media about the decision, explaining Tagovailoa is coming in to compete. Talking to AtlantaFalcons.com, Tagovailoa expressed excitement to join the organization and compete for the starting job.
"Based off of what happened last year, I knew I needed to play better," Tagovailoa said, "but I think this is a great opportunity to be able to come here and get a good reset."
— In other quarterback news, the Falcons released Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year, as Cunningham said the organization would at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February.
— Other roster moves during this window included the release of wide receivers Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge.
— To fill out depth within that room, the Falcons signed Jahan Dotson. Like Tagovailoa, Dotson called signing with the Falcons a fresh start, highlighting how he feels about head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees' scheme.
"I feel like (their scheme) tailors to my skillset specifically, being able to move inside, outside," Dotson explained. "My versatility as a receiver, playing everywhere on the field. They do a great job moving their playmakers around and putting them in advantageous situations to make plays for the team and I feel like that's something I can buy into and can fit very well into."
— The team also brought back a familiar face: Signing tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year deal. Hooper was drafted by the Falcons in 2016 and spent his entire rookie contract in Atlanta.
Fan Zone Highlights
Tweets, videos and podcasts you may have missed
In the Nest
Behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insight into team culture
One of the main focuses of the free agency period for Atlanta was "creating more depth" and "raising the floor" of the roster, according to Cunningham. Will McFadden wrote a bit more on Cunningham's goals this week.
"I think that's our job on the personnel staff is to add competition, but I think competition brings out the best in everybody," Cunningham said. "And, also, if you're competing, then you have a good chance to win a job and hopefully help us win games. So, I'm looking forward to adding to the roster."
In non-football-moves related news, March is Women's History Month. To celebrate, the Falcons highlighted the work of a handful of women who make the organization run.
In this Q&A series, the Falcons told the stories of six women whose roles span finance, brand strategy, football communications, community engagement, football technology systems and athletic training. Read about their paths to where they are today as well as their advice on being a woman in sports, here.
"My advice is to invest in yourself and your skills so that your value is clear wherever you go," Falcons senior director of football systems Stephanie Guiterrez said. "And remember that imposter syndrome is just a thought; thoughts are not facts. If you're in the room, it's because you earned the right to be there.
"Sports need talented people in every area — technology, analytics, business, medicine, coaching, scouting — and there is absolutely space for women to thrive in all of it."
Offseason Intel
Upcoming important dates and information
The NFL shared a handful of compensatory picks to teams this week as free agency got underway. Though the Falcons didn't receive any in 2026, it was still a good time to highlight where the Falcons are picking in the 2026 NFL Draft. You can view those picks here as the team gears up for the draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Before then, though, and next on the calendar: Annual League Meetings which will be held at the end of the month.
Pencil in April 6-7 in your calendars as those are the first days organizations that have hired a new head coach after the end of the 2025 regular season may begin offseason workout programs. Yes, that means the Falcons.
Now that the new league year has officially begun, free agency only continues. Make sure you're following along to AtlantaFalcons.com as the next wave rolls on.
