Updated Feb. 2, 2026, 4:41 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons have not stopped making moves since the season ended. After naming Matt Ryan president of football, the team hired head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham. The team also hired a few new assistants and retained director of college scouting Tokunbo Abanikanda.

The Falcons still have plenty of work to do, but first they must introduce Cunningham. Atlanta’s new GM will address the media in a joint press conference alongside Ryan on Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET. Since we still have some time before Cunningham’s introductory presser, let’s see what else is in the news.

In today’s Falcons recap, Raheem Morris lands a new job, Atlanta hires two former offensive coordinators, and we check out a few 2026 NFL mock drafts. Plus, CBS Sports proposes a trade that would send Kirk Cousins back to his former team.

Falcons hire Alex Van Pelt as quarterbacks coach

Atlanta hired former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as the team’s new quarterbacks coach. Van Pelt also worked with Stefanski in Cleveland, spending four seasons as the Browns offensive coordinator (2020-2023) and one year as quarterbacks coach.

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Van Pelt served as acting head coach during Cleveland’s first playoff victory in 25 years as Stefanski was forced to miss the game due to COVID-19. | READ MORE

Falcons hire Tanner Engstrand as pass-game coordinator

The Falcons hired former New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand as their new passing-game coordinator. Engstrand’s offense finished 10th in rushing yards but he was fired after the season ended. He’s the second former offensive coordinator to take an assistant job in Atlanta in the last week.

Engrstrand spent five years as an assistant for the Detroit Lions (2020-2024), coaching under Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell for one of the NFL’s most prolific offensive units over that span. | READ MORE

CBS Sports suggest Cousins-to-Vikings trade

The Falcons have a quarterback to spare, and while many expect Kirk Cousins to be released, don’t rule out a trade. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell proposed a trade that would send Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent six seasons (2019-2024).

“The Atlanta Falcons are under new management after hiring franchise legend Matt Ryan as their team president and Kevin Stefanski as their new coach,” wrote Podell. “Trading Cousins back to the Vikings could be a win for all parties involved.”

Ex-Falcons head coach Raheem Morris hired by 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals did not hire former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, as many expected. Instead, the Cardinals went with Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Morris quickly found a job with his old buddy Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, taking over as the 49ers defensive coordinator. Shanahan and Morris worked together in both Atlanta and Washington, and now they will reunite once more. | READ MORE

ESPN mock draft: Falcons land Kyle Pitts replacement

In ESPN’s new 2026 NFL mock draft, the Falcons landed a potential replacement for Pitts in the second round, taking Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers with the 48th overall pick.

“With Kyle Pitts Sr. set to hit free agency, the Falcons could be looking for a new starting tight end,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Miller. “Stowers is a true F-tight end prospect with a game very similar to Harold Fannin Jr. from last year’s class.”

Pitts may still return, but it would be wise to add a replacement in either the draft or free agency if the team plans to move on without the former No. 4 overall pick. | READ MORE

PFSN mock draft: Falcons take wide receiver, CB

Pro Football Sports Network released a new three-round mock draft which saw the Falcons draft Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in the second round (pick No. 48 overall).

“He may not have had the WR1-type season some expected from him, given his pre-draft hype, but Antonio Williams is still one of the best wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft,” wrote PFSN’s Jacob Infante. “He’s a crafty route runner with good explosion out of his breaks, consistently creating separation.”

In Round 3 of PFSN’s mock draft, the Falcons addressed their defense by taking Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun with the 79th overall pick. | READ MORE