​Despite having the most-talented roster in the division, the Atlanta Falcons head into the 2026 NFL season with more questions than answers, particularly at quarterback where a stable long-term starter has been missing since Matt Ryan left after 2021. The QB conundrum isn’t limited to the Penix-Tagovailoa debate; there are questions for every offensive position group.
QB: What happens if both Penix and Tagovailoa falter? Picture Week 9: Tagovailoa is out for the season with a concussion suffered in Week 4, and Penix hasn’t proven he’s the answer. Who steps in as a reliable fallback? Trevor Siemian is the current third-string QB but isn’t a long-term solution. Unless UDFA Jack Strand emerges as a Romo-like find, Atlanta may need to explore outside options. If they’re still in the race midseason without a clear QB1, trade possibilities like Mac Jones could come into play.
RB: What is Bijan Robinson’s ceiling? The Falcons don’t need to worry about the backfield with Bijan Robinson, a transcendent talent entering his prime. He’s averaged over 1,400 rushing yards in the last two seasons. With a competent passing game and early leads, he could approach 20 total touchdowns and roughly 3,000 yards from scrimmage.
WR: Who steps up after Drake London? Wide receiver is the more uncertain unit outside London. The Falcons added Jahan Dotson in free agency and drafted Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, both aiming for the WR2 role behind London. Branch looks promising, but rookie receivers often struggle. If Dotson and Branch can’t emerge, Atlanta could face a top-heavy receiving corps.
TE: Can Kyle Pitts repeat his breakout? Last season, Kyle Pitts posted career-best numbers across catches, TDs, first downs, catch rate, and success rate. The Falcons rewarded him with a three-year, $54 million contract ($36 million guaranteed). Now Pitts must prove that 2025 wasn’t a one-year spike and that he can continue to produce as a top-tier tight end while London remains in the lineup.
OL: Still among the NFL’s best? Atlanta’s offensive line was solid but not elite last season. They added two new right tackles from Kansas City—Jawaan Taylor and Wanya Morris—and hired Bill Callahan as OL coach, widely regarded as one of the best in the game. With Callahan at the helm, Atlanta should set high expectations for their O-line entering 2026.