Atlanta Falcons Sign Chiefs Super Bowl Winner After Key Starter's NFL Retirement

The Falcons have made a key offseason move to replace a departing offensive lineman.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an NFL offensive line in motion, with sharp planes of navy, red, and white intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract visual.The Falcons' offensive line undergoes a Cubist-inspired transformation as the team integrates a new Super Bowl-winning piece.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons have signed a former Kansas City Chiefs player who won the Super Bowl, after a key starter on their offensive line announced his retirement from the NFL.

Why it matters

Offensive line play is critical to a team's success in the NFL, so the Falcons will need to quickly integrate this new signing to maintain their blocking effectiveness for the upcoming season.

The details

The Falcons have signed offensive lineman Michael Johnson, who was a backup for the Kansas City Chiefs and won a Super Bowl with them in 2023. This move comes after the Falcons' starting right tackle, Jared Veldheer, announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the league.

  • Jared Veldheer announced his NFL retirement on April 5, 2026.
  • The Falcons signed Michael Johnson on April 8, 2026.

The players

Michael Johnson

An offensive lineman who won the Super Bowl as a backup with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.

Jared Veldheer

The Atlanta Falcons' starting right tackle who announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Michael to our offensive line. His experience and championship pedigree will be a great asset as we look to build on last season's success.”

— Arthur Smith, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons will look to quickly integrate Michael Johnson into their offensive line during the offseason program and training camp to ensure a smooth transition.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Falcons' commitment to maintaining a strong offensive line despite the loss of a key veteran starter. Johnson's Super Bowl experience could prove invaluable as the team aims to make another playoff push.