Falcons Reunite with Zaccheaus, Hooper

Former Falcons stars return to Atlanta after stints with other teams.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly bringing back wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and tight end Austin Hooper, both of whom previously played for the team when Matt Ryan was the starting quarterback. Zaccheaus and Hooper have spent time with other NFL franchises in recent years but are now set to rejoin the Falcons organization.

Why it matters

The return of Zaccheaus and Hooper represents a reunion of key offensive weapons from the Falcons' recent past, reuniting them with former quarterback Matt Ryan, who is now the team's president of football operations. This move could help provide stability and familiarity for the Falcons' offense as they look to build on their recent successes.

The details

Olamide Zaccheaus spent four seasons with the Falcons from 2019 to 2022 before signing with the New York Jets as a free agent last year. Austin Hooper played for the Falcons from 2016 to 2019 before joining the Cleveland Browns and then the Tennessee Titans. Both players are now set to return to Atlanta and team up once again with their former quarterback Matt Ryan, who is now in the Falcons' front office.

  • Zaccheaus played for the Falcons from 2019 to 2022.
  • Hooper played for the Falcons from 2016 to 2019.
  • Zaccheaus signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2023.
  • Hooper has played for the Browns and Titans since leaving the Falcons.

The players

Olamide Zaccheaus

A wide receiver who previously spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons from 2019 to 2022 before signing with the New York Jets as a free agent.

Austin Hooper

A tight end who played for the Falcons from 2016 to 2019 before joining the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans in recent years.

Matt Ryan

The former starting quarterback for the Falcons, who is now the team's president of football operations.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing back Olamide and Austin is a great move for the Falcons. They know our system and have chemistry with Matt, which will be huge as we look to take the next step.”

— Arthur Smith, Falcons Head Coach (ajc.com)

What’s next

The Falcons will look to officially sign Zaccheaus and Hooper in the coming days, solidifying their offensive roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Falcons' decision to reunite with Zaccheaus and Hooper represents an effort to maintain continuity and familiarity on offense, as they look to build on their recent successes with the guidance of former quarterback Matt Ryan in the front office.