Falcons Sign Browns Edge Rusher in Free Agency

New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski reunites with former player Cameron Thomas

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Cleveland Browns edge rusher Cameron Thomas to a one-year, $3 million contract. The move reunites Thomas with new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who previously coached Thomas in Cleveland.

Why it matters

The Falcons are looking to bolster their defense under new leadership, and the addition of Thomas, who had 5 sacks last season, provides them with a proven pass rusher with familiarity in Stefanski's system.

The details

Thomas, a 26-year-old edge defender, agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Falcons. He spent the past three seasons with the Browns, where he recorded 5 sacks in 2022. The signing marks the latest reunion between Stefanski and one of his former players, as the Falcons have already brought in tight end Austin Hooper, who previously played for Stefanski in Cleveland.

  • The Falcons signed Thomas on March 10, 2026, the first day of the NFL's free agency period.

The players

Cameron Thomas

A 26-year-old edge rusher who spent the past three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, recording 5 sacks in 2022.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who previously coached Cameron Thomas when he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Austin Hooper

A tight end who previously played for Stefanski in Cleveland and has also signed with the Falcons this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Cameron to our defense. He's a player I'm familiar with from our time together in Cleveland, and I know he'll be a great fit in our system.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (chatsports.com)

What’s next

The Falcons will look to continue building their roster through free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft as they aim to improve on a 7-9 record from the 2022 season.

The takeaway

The Falcons' signing of Cameron Thomas is an early indication that new head coach Kevin Stefanski is looking to bring in players he is familiar with to help rebuild the team's defense and culture.