The Atlanta Falcons announced on May 15 the release of their full 2026 season schedule, including details for an international game in Madrid, Spain. The team also reported that nearly all members of its rookie class have signed contracts as offseason activities continue.
The announcement is significant for fans and analysts tracking roster development and upcoming matchups. The new schedule outlines key games for the year, while the signings indicate progress in integrating new talent into the organization.
Among those who agreed to terms are cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive lineman Anterio Thompson. These signings follow earlier agreements with wide receiver Zachariah Branch, linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa, as well as fourteen undrafted free agents. Additional roster moves included signing four players from rookie minicamp tryouts: offensive linemen Brandon Walton and Layden Robinson, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, and linebacker Daveren Rayner.
General manager Ian Cunningham commented on Kendal Daniels’ versatility: “(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 discussed his preparation by saying: “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. They showed me that, and you have to make sacrifices as well. Sometimes you got to sacrifice things, and you got to do things that you need to do in order to get what you want.”
As offseason training progresses into Phase III—which includes ten organized team activities over three weeks—the Falcons will continue preparations without live contact but with drills such as 7-on-7s permitted under league rules.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division; they are based in Atlanta, Georgia; began play as an expansion team in 1965; advanced twice to Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016—and feature Freddie the Falcon as their mascot according to the official website.
Looking ahead through OTAs toward training camp later this summer gives coaches more opportunities to evaluate both rookies like Daniels or Branch alongside veterans before finalizing rosters.
