The Atlanta Falcons announced on May 15 the release of their full 2026 season schedule, including details about an international game in Madrid, Spain this fall. The team also confirmed that nearly all members of its rookie class have signed contracts.
The release of the new schedule marks a significant moment for fans and players as preparations intensify for the upcoming season. It provides clarity on key matchups and sets expectations for both returning veterans and newcomers to the team.
Among the latest roster moves, cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive lineman Anterio Thompson agreed to terms on their rookie deals. This follows earlier announcements that wide receiver Zachariah Branch, linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa, as well as fourteen undrafted free agents, have joined the team. Four additional players—Brandon Walton, Layden Robinson, Ross Blacklock, and Daveren Rayner—were signed after participating in rookie minicamp tryouts.
General manager Ian Cunningham commented on Daniels’ role with the team: “(Daniels) fits those measurables and what (Ulbrich) looks for and what we look for,” Cunningham said. “Then, (with Daniels) going to Oklahoma and playing in the (Brent) Venables scheme, you see him play all over the field, stacked and the apex and sometimes even the line deep. He’s a rare athlete. When you watch the tape, the movement, the length, the fluidity, he can do a lot of things for you on defense.” Rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch reflected on his upbringing: “The commitment and consistency and discipline level that I approached the game with comes from how I was raised,” Branch said. “My parents just showed me that whatever you end up doing, you got to be consistent and disciplined if you want to be successful in life… Sometimes you got to sacrifice things…to get what you want.”
As offseason training continues into Phase III—which includes ten organized team activities over three weeks—the Falcons are preparing under rules prohibiting live contact but allowing drills such as 7-on-7s with helmets permitted but no pads except knee or elbow protection.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division; they are based in Atlanta, Georgia; began as an expansion team in 1965; reached Super Bowls in both 1998 and 2016; advanced twice overall; and feature Freddie the Falcon as their mascot—all according to the official website.