2026 Falcons NFL Combine Meeting Tracker

INDIANAPOLIS – The Atlanta Falcons are up in Indianapolis for the biggest job interview in sports: the NFL Combine. The future of the franchise could be shaped by what happens over the next several days.

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Interviews, on-field workouts, and lots of evaluations are set to get underway, and players will see their draft stocks rise and fall. On top of the next generation putting their best foot forward, several important conversations take place behind closed doors during the week.

Falcons On Si put together a comprehensive, running list of all the conversations, moves, and rumors we hear over the course of the pivotal week in Indianapolis.

2026 Falcons NFL Combine Meeting Tracker

Wednesday, February 27th:

Ohio State run stuffer Kayden McDonald wants to come home

Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McDonald is a high-end run stuffing defensive lineman from Suwannee, GA, and he grew up putting on face paint and going to Falcons games. He said he models his game off of former Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. He would love to come back home: "That would be awesome, you know? But I try to control what I can control and that's up for the teams to decide."

Mississippi State tight end would love to come back to Atlanta

Arkansas defensive lineman Cam Ball | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Arkansas defensive lineman grew up in the Atlanta area and grew up loving the Falcons. He said he would love to play in his hometown, and could be found in the mid-to-late rounds of the Draft. "All of my family and friends are from there. So, wherever I'm blessed to play, especially if it's there, then it's a blessing. It's a great opportunity."

Georgia linebacker would love to play for his childhood team

Georgia linebacker CJ Allen | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The former Georgia linebacker from Barnesville, GA, is considered to be one of the Draft's best defensive players, and he grew up a Falcons fan. "As a five-year-old, you always say I'm going to go play for the Falcons. That would definitely mean a lot, for sure."

WR/Special teamer KhaDarel Hodge released

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The first cost-cutting move of the offseason came with the announcement that KhaDarel Hodge will be released. Hodge was listed as a wideout, but is really a special teams ace. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024. The decision will open up about $2.6 million in cap space.

Learn more about that move here.

Tuesday, February 26th:

Kyle Pitts receives franchise tag

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons made the first major move of the offseason with their decision to franchise tag Kyle Pitts Sr. Ian Cunningham told 92.9 The Game in Atlanta that he wanted more time to evaluate the team’s needs, but did not want to lose out on their star tight end. He is set to make approximately $16 million on the non-exclusive tag.

Learn more on the move here.

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Kirk Cousins will be released

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The second announcement that Ian Cunningham made on 92.9 The Game was that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released, and that they will not bring him back in free agency. The move thrusts the Falcons into the quarterback market for 2026.

Learn more on the move here.