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It looks like Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is moving toward a starting role. And he might have a young receiver helping him get there. But there are three Falcons in danger of getting cut after the 2026 minicamp.
After coming close but missing the playoffs last year, the Falcons likely think they only need a few more pieces, along with a head coaching change, to get where they want to be. But new boss Kevin Stefanski and the organization will face some tough roster decisions.
Here’s a look at which players appear to be on the bubble.
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Carter didn’t appear to have a good shot at making the 53-man roster. However, when cut day came, he found himself still with a locker room and a jersey.
He told reporters that he was “kind of in awe” when he learned of the team’s decision last summer.
“From rookie minicamp to OTAs, [I tried] not really focusing on making the roster,” Carter said. “Instead, what can I do to put myself in position to have a spot on this team, to have a role. That was kind of my mindset coming in. I’m just going to come in and grind and learn off of the older guys.
“For me to be in (the) position that I am right now, it’s great. It’s a testament to the guys, Bijan (Robinson) and Tyler (Allgeier), really pushing me and me being able to learn off those guys. I wouldn’t be in position where I am right now without those guys really, really helping me and pushing me along the way.”
However, when the season came, Carter totaled only nine rushing attempts. He gained 60 yards and appeared in just seven games.
Still, he has stuck around. And he currently stands at No. 4 on the team’s depth chart, according to ESPN. In front of him are starter Bijan Robinson, backup Brian Robinson Jr., and former Colts RB Tyler Goodson.
Carter and his teammates will have to grasp a new system under Stefanski. Bijan Robinson said things have been good with the new coaches so far, according to atlantafalcons.com.
“They’ve been doing a great job creating a lot of urgency for us,” Robinson said. “We’re not just out there loligagging, we’re out there really focused. There’s not really a break time to do anything, so we’re always trying to maximize our efforts out there on the field.”
Whether the new scheme is a plus or a minus for Carter remains to be seen. But he’s on the bubble. And he will have to scratch and claw as he did in 2025 to make the team.
Another undrafted free agent who stuck around in his rookie season, Bryant made one start and appeared in seven games. He didn’t get a lot done, with one pass defended and 10 total tackles, one for loss.
Things didn’t get any easier when the Falcons spent...
