Six (or More) Players Who Won’t Be on the Falcons Roster by Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons have made some significant updates to the makeup of their roster this offseason, adding several new faces to the locker room and losing several more. The overall look of the team will be different in 2026, but there are still moves to be made over the next several months. April’s NFL Draft will add five players, barring any moves.

On top of that, the Falcons are entering the “second wave” of free agency, meaning that more contributors and depth players could be added over the days and weeks ahead.

By this summer, Ian Cunningham’s new-look front office will have added 23 or more new players to the roster, revamping all three units. Between now and week one, the total roster will need to be trimmed to just 53 players.

With that in mind, who from last year’s team could be on the way out? Falcons OnSI took a look at some potential options.

Tight End Charlie Woerner

Charlie Woerner could be a cap casualty | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski loves his tight ends, but Charlie Woerner carries a rather large cap hit for what he brings to the offense. He is the primary blocking tight end for the offense, and he caught just eight passes for 48 yards last season.

While he still provides the offense with value, it is not irreplaceable. Should the Falcons move on from Woerner this offseason after June 1st, they would save $4.75 million against the cap. They could then address the position in the draft and use that money to continue bolstering their depth heading into the 2026 season.

Offensive Tackle Michael Jerrell AND/OR Jack Nelson

Jack Nelson is a former 7th round draft pick by the Falcons | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The scouting department has been active\ in parsing through potential offensive tackles this offseason. They have welcomed several candidates to Flowery Branch for top-30 visits, indicating that they will have some interest in backfilling the position in the draft. Moves like that would implicate all three backup tackles, but specifically Michael Jerrell and Jack Nelson.

Those two will be in a roster battle as it currently stands, with one of them set to be released after camp (or both if they draft a player). Storm Norton could also be thrust into that if the Falcons invest significantly into the position this offseason. Releasing Norton after June 1st would only save the Falcons $1.23 million, so he may remain as their best option as a swing tackle for next season while the next player develops for 2027.

Tight End Kyle Pitts Sr.

Kyle Pitts will either be very expensive or a tough loss next offseason | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If the Falcons part ways with Kyle Pitts, it could come via trade this offseason. Ian Cunningham did not rule that possibility out this week when asked during league meetings in Phoenix. If the Falcons could recoup a day two pick for the tight end, it could be worth capitalizing on a career year for their inconsistent tight end.

Cunningham’s first move as general manager was to place a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pitts, securing him for the 2027 season at about $15 million. Should the Falcons not agree to a new deal with him by July, he would play on that one-year deal and become a free agent next offseason. If they do not plan to re-sign or extend him, then a trade could be in their best interest.

Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr.

James Pearce's future in the league is out of his hands | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

James Pearce Jr. is embroiled in some legal proceedings in Miami for domestic violence. Should he be found guilty, possible jail time could follow. If that happens, the Falcons would be released from his contract. No matter the outcome in court, the NFL holds the right to operate an independent investigation.

That situation is ongoing, and there is still a long way to go before his situation is resolve, but there is a very real possibility that he does not suit up for the Falcons in 2026.

Linebacker JD Bertrand

JD Bertrand struggled when called into action last year | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

JD Bertrand had a tough go of it last season when thrust into a starting role for the injured Divine Deablo. He struggled to replicate the production and was often picked on by opposing teams. After two starts, Bertrand was benched for Ronnie Harrison.

This offseason, the Falcons added several new players to the mix. Troy Andersen is set to return, and he will compete with Christian Harris for the starting job. Malik Verdon, who missed all of last season with an injury, will also return and compete with Channing Tindall for depth and special teams roles.

Should the Falcons also add a linebacker in the draft, which many expect they could, then Bertrand is a very clear outlier in the room.

Cornerback – Pick One (or More)

The Falcons will see some turnover in the secondary | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Falcons are set to have a major fight in the secondary, with C.J. Henderson, Clark Phillips III, Cobee Bryant, Mike Ford Jr., and Natrone Brooks competing for roster positions. The Falcons could also add some more bodies to the mix between now and camp, either in free agency or the draft.

The nickel corner spot will come down to Phillips, Ford, A.J. Woods, Darnay Holmes, Sydney Brown, and Billy Bowman Jr. – the incumbent who is recovering from a torn Achilles.

This position will be crowded, and this will be one of the positions to watch this offseason.

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