The Atlanta Falcons announced on May 7 that they have signed wide receiver Zachariah Branch to his rookie contract.
Branch was selected with the No. 79 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He joins a group of receivers that includes Drake London and recent free agent signings Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. The Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the official website.
Branch’s rookie deal is estimated at $7.09 million over four years, with a cap number starting at $1.28 million in 2026 and rising to $2.25 million by 2029. In his final college season at the University of Georgia, Branch started ten games out of fourteen played, recording 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns while earning Second Team All-SEC honors and leading the conference in receptions.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said: “He really has a great schematic fit, also a great personal fit for what we believe in and how hard he works. Just a player that you can really line up all over the field. If you go back and watch his tape over the course of his different stops and the way he was utilized, I think there’s a ton of versatility there. Also, he provides value in the return game, which is no small thing.” General manager Ian Cunningham added: “I think you get that when you sit across from Zachariah. You talk to him, you understand what he’s about, how passionate he is about this game. He loves this game and he loves to be out there and working in practice. Coaches appreciate those type of guys that bring it every single day.” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said: “He’s at his best with the ball in his hands. He’s elusive and has dynamic long speed. He’s also electric as a kick returner… Branch can make big plays out of simple throws, which will make him attractive to NFL offensive coordinators.”
The Falcons have advanced to two Super Bowls since their founding as an expansion team in 1965—reaching championship games after both their 1998 and 2016 seasons—and Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Branch is expected to contribute both on offense and special teams for Atlanta as they continue preparations for training camp.
