The Atlanta Falcons announced on May 7 that they have signed offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa to his rookie contract.
Onianwa was selected with the No. 231 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 National Football League Draft. He joins a group of offensive linemen that includes nearly all five starters from last season, with Jawaan Taylor being the only new addition following Kaleb McGary’s retirement.
According to OverTheCap.com, Onianwa’s rookie deal is estimated at $4.53 million in total value and will carry a cap number of $924,667 in 2026, rising to $1.3 million by 2029. The former Ohio State player stands at six feet six inches tall and weighs 333 pounds. At age 22, he started in 34 out of the 52 games he played during college, including time at both right and left tackle positions.
General manager Ian Cunningham said: “Bright kid, went to Rice and then transferred to Ohio State. Big, strong, powerful. I think this is a guy that has upside. Coach (Bill) Callahan, we were just talking about it upstairs. He has a lot in his body and what he’s going to be able to do and help him develop. He’s got good feet, balance, but, I think there’s still room to grow. When he goes to Ohio State, he played a little bit more guard, did play some tackle there, so he showed a little bit more versatility than what he showed at Rice. So we’re excited about getting the player with some upside at tackle, but also with the ability to swing inside to go guard as well.” Dane Brugler of The Athletic said: “Onianwa is a massive human, with long arms, thickness in his quads and a tall broad frame… NFL scouts speak highly of his intelligence work habits and character.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division as an organization based in Atlanta since their founding as an expansion team in 1965; they have advanced twice each time reaching Super Bowls in both 1998 and again two decades later according to the official website.
Looking ahead for Onianwa and for fans tracking roster developments throughout preseason camp will be key as training progresses.
