- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,228,541
- Reaction score
- 59
The Atlanta Falcons have been frequent shoppers at the NFL's free agency bargain bin this offseason. With a lack of salary cap space, the team signed several players to veteran minimum contracts, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a few familiar faces.
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and tight end Austin Hooper each returned to Atlanta where their NFL careers began several years ago. Both players are expected to serve as backups, but considering how little depth Atlanta has at the wide receiver position, Zaccheaus may be in for a bigger role than anticipated.
Aside from the team's $141 million man, Drake London, Zaccheaus is the second-most experienced wide receiver on the roster. The former undrafted free agent made ESPN's "All-Backup Team" for 2026.
"Zaccheaus is an ideal third wide receiver," wrote Bill Barnwell. "Yes, 2025 wasn't his most productive season in terms of yardage, but the well-traveled veteran is one of the league's best blocking wide receivers and is effective just enough as a pass catcher to justify staying on the field. With the Falcons likely living in 12 personnel in 2026, Zaccheaus will be playing behind Jahan Dotson across from Drake London this season. Don't be surprised if he is moved ahead of Dotson by the time the season ends."
Barnwell's take on Zaccheaus' role is spot on. With 188 career receptions, 2,311 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns over his seven years in the NFL, he is clearly the team's most established receiver after London.
While Dotson received a much better contract in free agency, the former first-round pick has yet to prove he can be more than a third or fourth option.
Zaccheaus will likely start off in the slot for Atlanta this season, but talented rookie Zachariah Branch should be in the mix as well. The third-round pick out of Georgia already impressed at the team's minicamp, and will look to continue that trend when camp begins next week.
Branch and the rookies will report from training camp on Friday, July 24, with veterans following on Tuesday, July 28. The Falcons' first camp practice will take place on Wednesday, July 29.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons wide receiver makes ESPN's 'All-Backup Team'
Continue reading...
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and tight end Austin Hooper each returned to Atlanta where their NFL careers began several years ago. Both players are expected to serve as backups, but considering how little depth Atlanta has at the wide receiver position, Zaccheaus may be in for a bigger role than anticipated.
Aside from the team's $141 million man, Drake London, Zaccheaus is the second-most experienced wide receiver on the roster. The former undrafted free agent made ESPN's "All-Backup Team" for 2026.
"Zaccheaus is an ideal third wide receiver," wrote Bill Barnwell. "Yes, 2025 wasn't his most productive season in terms of yardage, but the well-traveled veteran is one of the league's best blocking wide receivers and is effective just enough as a pass catcher to justify staying on the field. With the Falcons likely living in 12 personnel in 2026, Zaccheaus will be playing behind Jahan Dotson across from Drake London this season. Don't be surprised if he is moved ahead of Dotson by the time the season ends."
Barnwell's take on Zaccheaus' role is spot on. With 188 career receptions, 2,311 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns over his seven years in the NFL, he is clearly the team's most established receiver after London.
While Dotson received a much better contract in free agency, the former first-round pick has yet to prove he can be more than a third or fourth option.
Zaccheaus will likely start off in the slot for Atlanta this season, but talented rookie Zachariah Branch should be in the mix as well. The third-round pick out of Georgia already impressed at the team's minicamp, and will look to continue that trend when camp begins next week.
Branch and the rookies will report from training camp on Friday, July 24, with veterans following on Tuesday, July 28. The Falcons' first camp practice will take place on Wednesday, July 29.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons wide receiver makes ESPN's 'All-Backup Team'
Continue reading...
