Examining the Falcons depth chart after latest free-agent signings

[ASFN Admin]

The Atlanta Falcons are signing two more NFL free agents, agreeing to terms with quarterback Trevor Siemian and running back Brian Robinson Jr. on Tuesday afternoon.

Siemian will serve as the team's third-string quarterback and provide a camp arm while Michael Penix Jr. recovers from an ACL injury. The 34-year-old has passed for 7,751 yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions over seven NFL seasons.

Robinson will replace Tyler Allgeier, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. The veteran running back spent last season backing up Christian McCaffrey, so he should have no trouble spelling Bijan Robinson in 2026.

The Falcons have added several other free agents, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Jahan Dotson, edge Azeez Ojulari and tight end Austin Hooper. Tagovailoa will compete with Penix for the starting job, while Dotson replaces former starter Darnell Mooney.

Check out our first Falcons depth chart projection for the 2026 NFL season below (free-agent additions in bold):

Quarterback​

1. Michael Penix Jr. (9)
2. Tua Tagovailoa
3. Trevor Siemian

Running Back​

1. Bijan Robinson (7)
2. Brian Robinson Jr.
3. Nathan Carter (25)
4. Carlos Washington Jr. (23)

Wide Receiver​

1. Drake London (5)
2. Chris Blair (19)
3. Casey Washington (82)

Wide Receiver​

1. Jahan Dotson
2. Deven Thompkins (83)

Wide Receiver (slot)​

1. Olamide Zaccheaus
2. Dylan Drummond (81)

Tight End​

1. Kyle Pitts (8)
2. Austin Hooper
3. Charlie Woerner (89)
4. Joshua Simon (47)

Left Tackle​

1. Jake Matthews (70)
2. Jack Nelson (69)

Left Guard​

1. Matthew Bergeron
2. Kyle Hinton (68)

Center​

1. Ryan Neuzil (64)
2. Corey Levin

Right Guard​

1. Chris Lindstrom (63)
2. Andrew Steuber (62)

Right Tackle​

1. Kaleb McGary (65)
2. Storm Norton (77)
3. Michael Jerrell (72)

Defensive End/IDL​

1. Zach Harrison (96)
2. Da'Shawn Hand

Defensive Tackle/IDL​

1. Ruke Orhorhoro (98)
2. Chris Williams
3. Elijah Garcia (91)

Defensive End/IDL​

1. Brandon Dorlus (53)
2. LaCale London (94)
3. Ben Stille (95)

EDGE/OLB​

1. Jalon Walker (11)
2. Azeez Ojulari
3. Cameron Thomas

Linebacker​

1. Divine Deablo (0)
2. JD Bertrand (40)
3. Channing Tindall

Linebacker​

1. Troy Andersen (44)
2. Christian Harris
3. Malik Verdon (43)

EDGE/OLB​

1. James Pearce Jr. (27)
2. Samson Ebukam
3. Bralen Trice (48)

Cornerback​

1. A.J. Terrell (24)
2. Cobee Bryant (37)
3. Clark Phillips III (22)

Cornerback​

1. Mike Hughes (21)
2. Natrone Brooks (35)
3. C.J. Henderson (39)

Nickel CB​

1. Billy Bowman Jr. (33)
2. Darnay Holmes
3. Mike Ford Jr. (28)
4. A.J. Woods (30)

Safety​

1. Jessie Bates III (3)
2. DeMarcco Hellams (23)
3. Jammie Robinson (34)

Safety​

1. Xavier Wats (31)
2. Sydney Brown
3. Tysheem Johnson (41)

Special Teams​

• LS: Liam McCullough (49)
• K: Nick Folk
• P: Jake Bailey
• P2: Gil Trenton (32)

The Falcons will have to decide on a starting quarterback, and while Penix is at a disadvantage due to his rehab, I still think his upside will win out. Nonetheless, Tagovailoa is more experienced, and since the team is learning a new system, neither player has a familiarity advantage.

By starting Tagovailoa in Week 1, the team would essentially be giving up on Penix (unless he's simply not fully healed by that time), which seems premature. The former Washington standout was having his most efficient game of the season before tearing his ACL in Week 11.

Ultimately, it will come down to which player Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski believes gives the team the best chance to win in 2026. At this point, it's just too early to tell.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons post-free agency depth chart for 2026

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