The Atlanta Falcons announced on Mar. 14 that they have signed ten new players to the roster during the opening days of the new league year, with more additions expected as reports continue to come in. The team also released several veteran players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receivers Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge.
These moves are part of a broader effort by the Falcons to reshape their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The organization competes in the National Football League’s NFC South division and is based in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the official website. General manager Ian Cunningham said one of the main goals this offseason was “creating more depth” and “raising the floor” of the roster.
Among the notable signings is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who agreed to a reported one-year deal. Tagovailoa said, “Based off of what happened last year, I knew I needed to play better, but I think this is a great opportunity to be able to come here and get a good reset.” Wide receiver Jahan Dotson also joined the team, expressing optimism about working with head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. “I feel like (their scheme) tailors to my skillset specifically, being able to move inside, outside,” Dotson explained. “My versatility as a receiver, playing everywhere on the field. They do a great job moving their playmakers around and putting them in advantageous situations to make plays for the team and I feel like that’s something I can buy into and can fit very well into.”
The Falcons also brought back tight end Austin Hooper on a one-year contract; Hooper was originally drafted by Atlanta in 2016. Cunningham said about building competition within the team: “I think that’s our job on the personnel staff is to add competition, but I think competition brings out the best in everybody. And, also, if you’re competing, then you have a good chance to win a job and hopefully help us win games. So, I’m looking forward to adding to the roster.”
In addition to football operations news, March marks Women’s History Month. The Falcons highlighted six women working across various departments within the organization through interviews sharing their career paths and advice for women pursuing roles in sports. Stephanie Guiterrez, senior director of football systems for Atlanta, said: “My advice is to invest in yourself and your skills so that your value is clear wherever you go… Sports need talented people in every area — technology, analytics, business, medicine, coaching, scouting — and there is absolutely space for women to thrive in all of it.”
Looking ahead on the calendar are annual league meetings at month’s end followed by offseason workout programs starting April 6-7 for teams with new head coaches after last season—including Atlanta—and preparations for April’s NFL Draft scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The Falcons began as an expansion team in 1965 according to their official website. The franchise has advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and again in 2016—as reported by its official site. Freddie the Falcon serves as mascot according to information from AtlantaFalcons.com.