The Atlanta Falcons sent a large group of coaches, coordinators, scouts, and front office staff to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. The event began with two major announcements regarding the team’s roster.
General manager Ian Cunningham confirmed that the team has placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts. Cunningham explained on Radio Row that this was “the right move” for the organization at this time. He said, “We’re not in the business of letting go really good players.” According to Cunningham, using the franchise tag allows the Falcons more time to evaluate Pitts’ future with the team and consider how he fits into their overall roster plans.
Cunningham also announced that quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released with a post-June 1 designation when the new league year starts on March 11. He stated that Cousins and his representatives were informed ahead of time “out of respect” for everyone involved.
Both Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed these decisions during their media appearances at the combine. Cunningham discussed his approach to building draft capital: “I said with our scouting staff last week, this is going to be the last year that we ever have five picks,” he said. “Like I’ve said before, I love picks. That’s going to be a part of our philosophy, and we’re going to have as many swings at the plate that we can.”
Stefanski spoke about integrating coaching philosophies and evaluating players: “I feel good about where we are,” Stefanski said. “I know there’s 32 teams and everybody feels they could use a few more guys at a bunch of different spots, but I feel good about the guys we have. I feel really good about the plan that Ian has in place. And then, I feel really good about when I finally get my hands on these guys and we can coach them.”
Although Matt Ryan did not speak publicly during combine week, his influence as president of football operations was evident as he participated in formal interviews with prospects alongside Stefanski.
The Falcons also named Michael Bearden as their Ollie Wilson Coaching Fellow for 2026. This fellowship honors Ollie Wilson, who served two stints as running backs coach for Atlanta from 1991–96 and 2002–07. Wilson started his NFL coaching career through a minority fellowship program similar to Bearden’s current role.
Stefanski commented on diversity efforts within coaching: “As a league, it is very obvious to me that we can do better having Black coaches in leadership positions,” he said. He emphasized developing young Black coaches on offense as an important goal for change within both Atlanta and across professional football.
“In any line of work, we are the product of our experiences,” Stefanski added regarding coaching development programs like Bearden’s fellowship.
On-field workouts continue throughout combine weekend while free agency begins soon after; teams may begin negotiating with agents starting March 9 ahead of contracts expiring March 12.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia (official website). The franchise began play as an expansion team in 1965 (official website) and has reached two Super Bowls—in 1998 and again in 2016 (official website).
Freddie the Falcon is recognized as their mascot (official website).