It looks like Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is moving toward a starting role. And he might have a young receiver helping him get there. But there are three Falcons in danger of getting cut after the 2026 minicamp.
After coming close but missing the playoffs last year, the Falcons likely think they only need a few more pieces, along with a head coaching change, to get where they want to be. But new boss Kevin Stefanski and the organization will face some tough roster decisions.
Here’s a look at which players appear to be on the bubble.
RB Nathan Carter
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Carter didn’t appear to have a good shot at making the 53-man roster. However, when cut day came, he found himself still with a locker room and a jersey.
He told reporters that he was “kind of in awe” when he learned of the team’s decision last summer.
“From rookie minicamp to OTAs, [I tried] not really focusing on making the roster,” Carter said. “Instead, what can I do to put myself in position to have a spot on this team, to have a role. That was kind of my mindset coming in. I'm just going to come in and grind and learn off of the older guys.
“For me to be in (the) position that I am right now, it's great. It's a testament to the guys, Bijan (Robinson) and Tyler (Allgeier), really pushing me and me being able to learn off those guys. I wouldn't be in position where I am right now without those guys really, really helping me and pushing me along the way.”
However, when the season came, Carter totaled only nine rushing attempts. He gained 60 yards and appeared in just seven games.
Still, he has stuck around. And he currently stands at No. 4 on the team’s depth chart, according to ESPN. In front of him are starter Bijan Robinson, backup Brian Robinson Jr., and former Colts RB Tyler Goodson.
Carter and his teammates will have to grasp a new system under Stefanski. Bijan Robinson said things have been good with the new coaches so far, according to atlantafalcons.com.
“They've been doing a great job creating a lot of urgency for us,” Robinson said. “We're not just out there loligagging, we're out there really focused. There's not really a break time to do anything, so we're always trying to maximize our efforts out there on the field.”
Whether the new scheme is a plus or a minus for Carter remains to be seen. But he’s on the bubble. And he will have to scratch and claw as he did in 2025 to make the team.
CB Cobee Bryant
Another undrafted free agent who stuck around in his rookie season, Bryant made one start and appeared in seven games. He didn’t get a lot done, with one pass defended and 10 total tackles, one for loss.
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Things didn’t get any easier when the Falcons spent their first draft pick on Avieon Terrell. The cornerback out of Clemson went in the second round with the No. 48 pick overall. That pick immediately put Bryant on the bubble.
Instead of being in a potential backup role behind AJ Terrell, Mike Hughes, and Clark Phillips III, Bryant found himself third string on the depth chart. CJ Henderson is another potential roadblock who could convince the Falcons to kick Bryant to the curb.
However, Bryant showed some chops late last season. And maybe his performance against Mike Evans might be enough to help him edge back onto the 2026 squad.
Former head coach Raheem Morris talked about how Bryant stepped up against the Buccaneers because of an injury to Hughes in that mid-December game, according to atlantafalcons.com.
“We had no idea it was going to turn out that way, but we talked about guys getting opportunities,” Morris said, “and he certainly got his opportunity. He (showed) no fear, no blink. And I love the mentality that he has.”
WR Chris Blair
The Falcons don’t have a deep receiving room. That’s the good news for Blair. After Drake London, who is one of the league’s top receivers, the Falcons have unproven Jahan Dotson and journeyman Olamide Zaccheaus. That’s not a standout trio.
But rookie Zachariah Branch could steal one of those starting spots. Also, Dylan Drummond and Vinny Anthony II are fighting for backup roles.
That leaves Blair in a third-team battle with Juice Wells Jr. and Le’Meke Brockington. With the Falcons likely keeping no more than six receivers, it’s a tough mountain for Blair to climb.
An undrafted free agent in 2023, Blair stuck with the Falcons over three seasons. But he has appeared in only eight games over that stretch. Plus, he has just one career reception, a 17-yard grab that went for a first down in 2024 against the Giants.
It’s hard to envision Blair hanging on for another season. But as of now, he still has a shot.
It looks like Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is moving toward a starting role. And he might have a young receiver helping him get there. But there are three Falcons in danger of getting cut after the 2026 minicamp. After coming close but missing the playoffs last year, the Falcons likely think they only need a few more pieces, along with a head coaching change, to get where they want to be.