Atlanta Falcons: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Jessie Bates III News / Atlanta Falcons on SI / April 8

Jessie Bates III Addresses Uncertain Future With the Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH – The Atlanta Falcons are entering the voluntary offseason workout program this week, and safety Jessie Bates III is one of the many players entering a crucial season in 2026. Bates, 29, joined the Falcons as a free agent on a four-year, $64 million contract in 2023.

NFL News / Pro Football Rumors / April 8

S Jessie Bates Wants To Retire A Falcon

The Falcons lost a notable contributor to retirement when right tackle Kaleb McGary hung up his cleats Wednesday. Shortly before the McGary news broke, safety Jessie Bates declared that he would like to spend the rest of his career in Atlanta (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic).

Minnesota Vikings News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NFL Defensive Players of the Year' quiz

The AP has awarded its Defensive Player of the Year Award to the NFL's most outstanding defender since 1971. How many of the NFL DPOYs can you name in six minutes?

The 'Most INT's in a first NFL start' quiz

The '2024-25 NFL interceptions leaders' quiz

The 'Longest NFL receptions of 2025' quiz

Ranking the next five-year windows for each NFL team

Every NFL team tries to build a dynasty and win Super Bowls, but only a select few in NFL history have found such consistency. Over the next five years, these are the teams that have the best chance at ultimate success.

Atlanta Falcons News / NFL on ClutchPoints / April 8

Falcons sign Patrick Mahomes protector after Kaleb McGary’s retirement

On Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Falcons got some unexpected news when it was announced that offensive lineman Kaleb McGary was retiring from the NFL after seven seasons.

NFL News / Yardbarker

First-round NFL mock draft: Mendoza goes No.1, then who?

Teams are finalizing their Big Boards with much of NFL free agency in the rearview mirror. There's a look at the least first-round mock draft as of April 8, 2026.

Fernando Mendoza makes an emotional decision about NFL Draft

NFL Draft intel: Carnell Tate's stock soaring, David Bailey-Arvell Reese debate, Sonny Styles-Fred Warner comps

Steelers are showing interest in a small-school standout who could turn out to be a hidden gem at wide receiver in Pittsburgh

Steelers' potential 2026 NFL Draft plans contradict claims about QB Will Howard

Arm length concerns surrounding Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. may work in Cowboys' favor during 2026 NFL Draft

Jets coaches reportedly 'loved' this quarterback prospect after meeting him

NFL Week 9: Picks and preview

Can Seattle keep it going? Will there be any further separation in the middle of the pack? And will things get even worse for struggling traditional powers like Green Bay? Let’s get to the games.

Atlanta Falcons News / NFL on ClutchPoints / April 8

James Pearce Jr. not with Falcons amid legal issues

Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, James Pearce Jr., is in the midst of legal issues involving an alleged vehicle crash with WNBA star Rickea Jackson.

Atlanta Falcons News / Gridiron Heroics / April 8

Atlanta Falcons: Add 1x-Super Bowl Champion After Sudden Retirement

The Atlanta Falcons desperately needed to address the blindside blocker and right tackle position this offseason following the sudden retirement of Kaleb McGary.

Ranking the offensive play-caller for each NFL team

Offense is the name of the game in the modern NFL, and offensive play callers have never been more creative. Here's a look at the top NFL play-callers from 1-32 early in the 2022 season.

Atlanta Falcons News / Gridiron Heroics / April 8

Atlanta Falcons See Key Offensive Starter Retire After 7 Seasons

The Atlanta Falcons signed Kaleb McGary to a two-year, $30 million contract extension with $17.99 million guaranteed and a $4.5 million signing bonus last offseason.

NFL News / Yardbarker

2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact

NFL prospects from major programs get most of the attention, but there are numerous examples of players drafted from small schools who have become difference-makers.

2026 NFL Draft: 25 prospects who are diamonds in the rough

2026 NFL Draft: 20 famous names who won't be drafted until the later rounds

NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza’s big issue among latest intel

Penn State's Drew Allar sends message to teams ahead of NFL Draft

NFL GM makes prediction about Giants, Caleb Downs draft rumors

Jawaan Taylor News / Pro Football Rumors / April 8

Falcons To Sign RT Jawaan Taylor

The Falcons may have already found their replacement for retired right tackle Kaleb McGary. Atlanta has agreed to a one-year deal with Jawaan Taylor, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Kirk Cousins News / Athlon Sports / April 8

Kirk Cousins Welcomes Fernando Mendoza Challenge After Raiders Move

Kirk Cousins does not sound worried at all about the possibility of the Las Vegas Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. In fact, Cousins

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The 'Most games played by MLB team' quiz

The 'Most 30-point NBA games at 35+' quiz

The 'NBA active two-pointers leaders' quiz

The 'NCAA men's basketball champions' quiz

NFL News / Yardbarker / April 8

Raiders' Kirk Cousins wants to learn one thing from Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman trophy winner is a promising and accurate passer with a strong feel for the game. That said, the Raiders will likely err on the side of caution with the new face of the franchise.

First-round NFL mock draft: Mendoza goes No. 1, then who?

Cousins opens up about signing with Raiders with Mendoza likely looming

Mendoza makes an emotional decision about NFL Draft

NFL coordinator has surprising pick for 'favorite QB' in draft other than Mendoza

Jets coaches reportedly 'loved' this quarterback prospect after meeting him

Atlanta Falcons News / Field Level Media / April 8

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. 'where he needs to be' in ACL rehab

There is still no clear timetable for Michael Penix Jr.'s recovery from the torn ACL that ended the Falcons quarterback's 2025 season, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday.

Kaleb McGary News / Pro Football Rumors / April 8

Falcons RT Kaleb McGary Retires

After missing all of last season with a knee injury, Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary is retiring at the age of 31. Agent Collin Roberts announced the news on Wednesday.

Kaleb McGary News / NFLTradeRumors.co / April 8

Falcons RT Kaleb McGary Announces Retirement

Falcons RT Kaleb McGary has decided to retire after six seasons, his agent announced on Wednesday. McGary suffered a serious leg injury during training camp last year and missed the whole season.

Atlanta Falcons News / EasySportz / April 8

Falcons Facing Major Questions as Star Stays Away From Team

The Atlanta Falcons are heading into a crucial offseason under new head coach Kevin Stefanski—but one of their most important players is nowhere to be found.

Bijan Robinson News / Atlanta Falcons on SI / April 8

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson Snubbed From Top-5 of Recent RB Rankings

Despite being considered one of the top players on offense overall in 2025, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson wasn’t top-five worthy in the eyes

NFL News / Gridiron Heroics / April 8

3 Potential NFL Draft Targets Named for Falcons to Fill ‘Surprising Need’

The Atlanta Falcons are approaching the 2026 NFL Draft with a roster that appears improved on paper, but a closer evaluation has revealed a surprising need that could shape their approach.

NFL News / Yardbarker / April 8