The 2026 NFL free agency period is winding down and the Atlanta Falcons have stayed true to their goal of improving the roster without using much salary cap space. The team added three more players over the last week, signing quarterback Trevor Siemian and running backs Tyler Goodson and Brian Robinson Jr.
While the Falcons are unlikely to make any major moves going forward, they’ve done a lot with a little thus far. Despite a lack of funds, the team was able to sign quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the veteran minimum. Tagovailoa may no longer be considered a franchise QB, but he’s a solid addition for $1.3 million.
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Aside from upgrading the quarterback and running back positions, Atlanta also added depth at several other spots. The team signed veteran defensive linemen Azeez Ojulari, Da’Shawn Hand and Samsom Ebukam. Plus, the Falcons brought back a few familiar faces in tight end Austin Hooper and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
ESPN’s Ben Solak was fairly impressed with Atlanta’s offseason in his 2026 free agency class rankings. The Falcons were ranked 15th out of 32 NFL teams.
Falcons’ free agency class ranked 15th by ESPN
“Although I’ve generally been a doubter of Tagovailoa and critical of the Dolphins for the extension they gave him, there’s no doubt that he’s far, far better than a veterans minimum contract ($1.3 million),” wrote ESPN’s Ben Solak. “The QB of 2027 and beyond might not yet be on the Falcons’ roster, but adding Tagovailoa gives the team a second dart throw at functional QB play in 2026. With that offensive line and the collective talent of Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson, the Falcons’ offense might surprise people next season.”
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The Falcons were never going to be big spenders in free agency due to the Kirk Cousins situation. Considering the team’s lack of cap flexibility and the fact that Atlanta does not have a first-round pick, first-year general manager Ian Cunningham has to be pleased with how the offseason has gone.
ESPN didn’t love everything the Falcons did, though. Solak felt the team could have done more to address the No. 2 cornerback spot.
“The CB2 approach. I know the market for starting cornerbacks has taken a big leap, but I thought the Falcons would add some competition to the CB2 spot opposite A.J. Terrell Jr,” added Solak. “Mike Hughes, who was extended last offseason, was an oft-targeted weak point last season. Darnay Holmes, the only veteran addition, is likely more slot insurance behind Billy Bowman Jr. than a legit candidate to play outside.”
The Falcons have a few young players who could potentially fill this role. Undrafted rookie Cobee Bryant played well in spurts last season and former fourth-round pick Clark Phillips III should be back healthy in 2026.
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The Falcons have just five total picks, starting at No. 48 overall. Check out their full list of picks below:
Round 4: Pick No. 122 (from Eagles)*
Round 6: Pick No. 215 (from Eagles)*
We’ll have to see what Cunningham has up his sleeve when the draft arrives on April 23.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons ranked 15th in ESPN free agency rankings