With the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 offseason in the books, it is time to sit back and look at the potential position battles we have upcoming throughout the summer. Quarterback is the obvious competition that will demand attention with the Falcons adding competition for Michael Penix Jr. after an injury-shortened 2025 season.
This gives fans something to look forward to in what is an otherwise dead part of the calendar when it comes to football. With this in mind, let's look at the three most interesting upcoming battles facing the Falcons roster in OTAs and heading deeper into the summer.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. Tua Tagovailoa
This is undeniably the battle that will get the most attention throughout the summer. It is hard to believe that this is what Atlanta's quarterback position has been reduced to, with Tua being cast off by Miami in favor of Malik Willis. Neither quarterback has a resume that will inspire a lot of confidence, but at least Penix has an unknown upside and still has a slight chance to become a franchise option, having shown flashes the past two seasons.
Hiring Kevin Stefanski gives the team an offensive head coach who is hopefully capable of helping Penix take the next step and winning a battle that is going to demand a lot of attention, but clearly presents concerns with either winner having very real questions to answer.
Mike Hughes vs. Avieon Terrell
Hughes has the advantage of experience, while Terrell clearly has the fan sentiment and the promise of being an unknown commodity. Fans can't help but consider what an entertaining duo the Terrell brothers might be with Billy Bowman at nickel, giving the fans a fun secondary that has a chance to present a level of stability for years to come.
However, Hughes isn't going to be easily displaced, having experience in the system and the clear advantage of offering a known floor. This could be offset by the fact that the corner was often targeted in the 2025 season and was at times viewed as a liability. Still, there is no denying that this is going to be a tight battle with Terrell being set to crack Atlanta's starting lineup. It is simply a question of how long Hughes can hold off the Clemson alum.
Zachariah Branch vs. Jahan Dotson vs. Olamide Zaccheaus
Drake London's starting role is obviously untouchable, leaving two starting roles for this trio. If the Falcons don't add to the position further, it will be interesting to watch how this competition shakes out with Branch offering the most upside based simply on being an unknown. Zaccheaus is a familiar name to Falcons fans, spending his first years in the league with the franchise and returning as a primary option after spending the last handful of seasons in a reserve role.
Dotson is a question mark as well, having two great seasons with the Washington Commanders to begin his career before joining the Eagles and completely failing to live up to expectations. This is a group with a lot to prove, and all will be fighting for the same two roles.
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