The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly making several early moves as the NFL’s 2026 free-agency period begins, targeting both familiar faces and veteran special-teams help to strengthen their roster. Among the reported additions are wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson, tight end Austin Hooper, kicker Nick Folk, and punter Jake Bailey, per multiple NFL insiders.
Several of the reported deals bring former Falcons back to Atlanta. Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler during his first stint with the team, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract that reunites him with the franchise that drafted him in 2016 while also bringing experience working within Kevin Stefanski’s offense in Cleveland. Olamide Zaccheaus is also expected to return after previously spending four seasons in Atlanta, where he developed into a reliable slot receiver and recorded 40 receptions for 533 yards in his final season with the team. Atlanta is also reportedly adding outside help to round out the roster. Dotson has been linked to a multi-year deal that could provide another dynamic receiving option alongside the team’s current weapons.
On special teams, veteran kicker Nick Folk is reportedly signing a two-year deal after one of the most accurate stretches of his career, including a 28-for-29 field-goal season in 2025. Meanwhile, former All-Pro punter Jake Bailey is expected to join the team on a three-year contract, further solidifying the Falcons’ special-teams unit heading into the new league year.
Additionally, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Atlanta is also signing former Browns defensive end Cameron Thomas on a one-year, $3.1 million deal. Thomas played under current Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, bringing 11 career sacks.
The biggest news of the day came later in the afternoon with Schefter reporting that former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be signing with the Falcons on a one-year deal. Tagovailoa comes with some injury history in Miami, however Atlanta has been reportedly searching for another option under center given Michael Penix Jr’s injury timetable.
Atlanta remained busy going in to the middle of the week. The Falcons have also reportedly reached deals with former Georgia Bulldogs Azeez Ojulari and Channing Tindall. Ojulari, a Marietta High School alum, spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles while Tindall spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond that, the team also added former Bears defensive lineman Chris Williams and former Texans linebacker Christian Harris.
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