Falcons Reveal Projected Starting Offense with Player Grades

New faces on the offensive line and at skill positions for Atlanta in 2026

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting various football players and elements of a game, with sharp geometric shapes and vibrant colors representing the dynamic nature of the Falcons' offense.The Falcons' revamped offensive lineup, with new faces on the line and at skill positions, will be a key factor in the team's success in the upcoming season.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons are set to have a new starting right tackle in 2026 after Kaleb McGary's retirement, signing former Kansas City Chiefs lineman Jawaan Taylor. The Falcons' offense will feature several new starters, including tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receivers Drake London and Jahan Dotson, and running back Bijan Robinson. However, the quarterback position remains uncertain, with Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa competing for the starting job.

Why it matters

The Falcons' offensive lineup changes will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming season, as they look to build on their progress and challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC South division.

The details

The Falcons have signed former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor to start at right tackle, replacing the retired Kaleb McGary. While Taylor is not as strong a run blocker as McGary, he is a slight upgrade in pass protection, which will benefit the team's left-handed quarterbacks. The Falcons' skill position group will see several new faces, including tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receivers Drake London and Jahan Dotson, and running back Bijan Robinson. However, the quarterback battle between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa remains unresolved, with Penix having the higher ceiling if he can recover from an ACL injury.

  • On Friday, the Falcons officially signed Jawaan Taylor to start at right tackle in 2026.
  • The Falcons picked up Bijan Robinson's fifth-year option on Friday, keeping the running back in Atlanta through the 2027 season.

The players

Jawaan Taylor

A former offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, who the Falcons have signed to start at right tackle in 2026.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' projected starting quarterback, who is still rehabbing from an ACL surgery and will have to battle Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Falcons' other quarterback option, who has the experience advantage over Penix but is believed to have a lower ceiling.

Bijan Robinson

The Falcons' running back, whose fifth-year option was picked up by the team, keeping him in Atlanta through the 2027 season.

Kyle Pitts

The Falcons' starting tight end, who will be part of the team's revamped offensive skill position group.

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What’s next

The Falcons will need to determine their starting quarterback between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, with Penix having the higher ceiling if he can recover from his ACL injury in time for the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Falcons' offensive lineup changes, including the addition of Jawaan Taylor at right tackle and the influx of new skill position players, will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming season as they look to build on their progress and challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC South division.