Atlanta Falcons 2026 Training Camp Preview: The Tua Tagovailoa Era Begins
With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.
Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.
We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Atlanta Falcons.
Key Offseason Dates
Voluntary OTAs: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4
Mandatory minicamp: June 9-11
Training camp: mid-July
NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6
Key Additions:
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Brian Robinson, RB
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR
Austin Hooper, TE
Jawaan Taylor, OT
Da'Shawn Hand, DT
Cam Thomas, DE
Samson Ebukam, DE
Azeez Ojulari, DE
Darnay Holmes, CB
Nick Folk, K
Jake Bailey, P
Re-Signed:
LaCale London, DT
DeAngelo Malone, LB
2026 NFL Draft Class:
Avieon Terrell, CB, Round 2
Zachariah Branch, WR, Round 3
Kendal Daniels, LB, Round 4
Anterio Thompson, DT, Round 6
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, Round 6
Ethan Onianwa, OT, Round 7
Key Losses:
Kaden Elliss, LB
Dee Alford, CB
Kirk Cousins, QB
Tyler Allgeier, RB
Elijah Wilkinson, OG
Danrell Mooney, WR
Zane Gonzalez, K
Analysis:
The Falcons finished last year in a three-way tie atop the NFC South at 8-9 but ultimately ended up missing out on the playoffs.
With quarterback Kirk Cousins now in Las Vegas, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa are set to battle it out for the starting job. The good news is Bijan Robinson is coming off a breakout year in which he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage, and the wide receiver corps added Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch, and Olamide Zaccheus, meaning there's room for improvement in 2026.
Atlanta's defense was a bright spot last year. The Falcons logged the second-most sacks in the NFL (57), and barring James Pearce Jr.'s legal issues, the team's pass-rush should be just as good as it was last year. All five of the team's top sackers - Pearce Jr., Brandon Dorlus, Jalon Walker, LaCale London, and Zach Harrison - are all returning.
The Falcons also added defensive end Samson Ebukam, and defensive tackles Da'Shawn Hand and Maason Smith, plus cornerback Avieon Terrell with their top draft pick - so the team could be even more formidable on that side of the ball.
With the offseason moves Atlanta made, it wouldn't be surprising if it contended with the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title next season.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 9:05 AM.