The Atlanta Falcons made the most out of their limited salary cap space during the first week of NFL free agency, signing several players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, to affordable contracts. The team added depth at multiple positions, including edge, wide receiver and linebacker.
The Falcons also released quarterback Kirk Cousin and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. There are still some holes to fill, but Atlanta has time to address them over the next few weeks of free agency and in the 2026 NFL Draft next month.
“Really excited about what we were able to accomplish this week so far in free agency,” Falcons first-year general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters on Friday.
Since it would be unusual for a GM to say otherwise, let’s check out what those around the NFL had to say about the team’s free agent class on social media.
NFL world reacts to Falcons’ latest free agent signings
The Falcons picking up free agents pic.twitter.com/cY3nK88Srx
— The Brohioan (@TheBrohioan) March 9, 2026
Hilarious stat: The Falcons have more lefty throwers than the Braves’ starting rotation. https://t.co/XWwm4T2ynx
— AJ Schulte (@AJSchulteFB) March 9, 2026
Kyle Pitts and Austin Hooper = pretty solid duo https://t.co/bFppnBpm6V
— Matthew Tabeek (@MatthewTabeek) March 9, 2026
Signing Kirk Cousins to draft Michael Penix Jr. to sign Tua Tagovailoa has to be one of the funniest NFL personnel sequences ever
— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) March 9, 2026
From illegal contact on day one with team doctors to 6-3 and 4-0 in NFC South. Then missing the playoffs after lying to the team about multiple arm injuries. Then, after benching for MPJ, capping it off with 4 straight wins to end 2025… https://t.co/wFFFtEIDYn
— Chris Thomas – Turtle (@CThomasRadio) March 11, 2026
One full season removed from an Achilles injury, two seasons removed from a 9.5 sack campaign. Not a gamble I mind taking at all https://t.co/Vlzxai0FbR
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) March 12, 2026
Azeez Ojulari reacts to signing with the Falcons: pic.twitter.com/ubxiQwLWsX
— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) March 12, 2026
The Falcons are operating as if James Pearce Jr. won’t be on the roster. https://t.co/xmzXGt5XRX
— Cory Woodroof (@CoryWoodroof47) March 12, 2026
Good lord… People acting like Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd aren’t free agents.
Three are 3 2025 Falcons Edge rushers who could be gone… they’ve signed 2. https://t.co/hvZkKexBaz
— Scott Kennedy (@ScoutKennedy) March 12, 2026
I keep reading this as Channing Tatum https://t.co/YcgeqqgX8T
— Jeanna Kelley (@jeannathomas) March 11, 2026
🅰️TL ‼️
— Jahan Dotson (@JahanDotson) March 9, 2026
BREAKING: Atlanta Falcons are introducing a new revolutionary helmet design for Tua Tagovailoa to avoid further concussions he sustained during his time in Miami pic.twitter.com/e8CEVpu7Yr
— Golden Empire (@Golden_49ers) March 11, 2026
Im in TEARS bro… REAL TEARS 😂🤣😭 https://t.co/9vcIKPu7pc
— PNP (@PantherNationPC) March 10, 2026
Jahan Dotson shares pictures of himself as a kid wearing Michael Vick jerseys after signing with the Atlanta Falcons today: pic.twitter.com/DBXHqwaDfY
— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) March 10, 2026
Bijan says goodbye!! #Dirtybirdspic.twitter.com/8NNxq7EXRD
— Red&Blacklover🔥❤️🖤🇵🇷🇩🇪 (@SimplyDirtyBird) March 9, 2026
Falcons might have the weirdest three year stretch for a QB room in NFL history https://t.co/sgmRQQKshJ
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 9, 2026
The Falcons now have three 2027 compensatory picks on the board.
This one is a 5th rounder for Kaden Elliss going back to the division rival Saints. https://t.co/snqBij3fSx
— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) March 10, 2026
The signing of Tua in Atlanta makes a lot of economic sense, but it could end up being a savvy move on several other fronts. pic.twitter.com/DiiiThfmrD
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) March 10, 2026
The benefit for Tua Tagovailoa in signing with the Falcons is that he’ll get starter reps through the offseason, until Michael Penix is cleared. That’s a lot of development time, and also a chance to build chemistry with guys, putting him in a better spot if he does get in.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2026
Follow along with each Falcons transaction using our 2026 NFL free agency tracker!
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL reacts to latest free agency moves
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