A new chapter begins for the Atlanta Falcons tonight as they host the Denver Broncos in their first preseason game of the year. It's also the first game ever under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan.
Atlanta did a good job of locking up its best players with contract extensions this offseason (Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, Matthew Bergeron) but there hasn't been much excitement around the new players they've brought in.
At the top of the list are the team's top two draft picks, second-round cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Both have been ranked among the NFL's top 100 rookies in a new list by Bleacher Report. Terrell came in at No. 43 in their rankings.
"The spot "in front" of Avieon Terrell on the Falcons depth chart is Mike Hughes, who is an experienced but below-average corner. Terrell is a competitor who showcases excellent zone coverage and plays bigger than his size. If he can snare the starting job opposite his brother, who wouldn't want to see that happen?!"
Terrell has shown some promise at training camp, including a pick off Tua Tagovailoa. However, he is dealing with an undisclosed injury that may keep him out of Friday night's preseason opener.

#terrell #avieon #game

The latest contract extension at the guard position could impact Quenton Nelson and the Indianapolis Colts.
On Friday, the Tennessee **** ans signed guard Peter Skoronski to a four-year, $100 million contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport. This deal includes $88 million in guaranteed money.
At $25 million per year in new money, Skoronski is now the NFL's highest-paid guard by average annual value, surpassing Tyler Smith and Matthew Bergeron, who are each earning $24 million per year.
Nelson is entering the final year of his current contract with the Colts. He is a prime contract extension candidate, but if he hits the open market in 2027, he will be highly sought after.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes that Nelson's next deal could make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. If that ends up being the case, then Nelson's asking price may have just gone up.

#million #colts

Paul Bissonnette has said that the San Jose Sharks secured more than a franchise player when they signed Macklin Celebrini to a record-setting extension. Speaking on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, the former NHL forward compared the 20-year-old center to one of hockey's greatest players after his historic new deal.
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29, carrying an NHL-record $18.8 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28 after the final season of his entry-level deal. It surpassed Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV and Connor Bedard's $15 million extension signed earlier this summer.
MORE: Patrice Bergeron recalls Sidney Crosby's jaw-dropping play with 2005 Team Canada
Bissonnette said Carlsson's offer sheet helped establish the market but did not believe money alone drove San Jose's decision.
"I would say, 'Thank you, Leo Carlsson offer sheet,' because that kind of set around where he was going to get," Bissonnette said. "But I don't really think it mattered."

#million

The Atlanta Falcons' sixth training camp practice generated a wide range of emotions from the fans. The day began with the team signing Bijan Robinson to a three-year, $75 million extension, and ended with an unfortunate injury to Jalon Walker.
While Walker might be out for the season with what NFL insiders are hinting is a torn ACL, Robinson's extension is still a big win for this Falcons front office
The former Texas Longhorns star has established himself as one of the NFL's best, if not the No. 1 running back in the game, and his new deal pays him as such. Robinson's first three seasons have been as good as anyone could have hoped, and now he's locked in for three additional years.
For The Win writer Cory Woodroof gave the Falcons an "A" grade for Robinson's extension, saying they didn't have much of a choice but to re-sign the 24-year-old.
"The Falcons didn't really have a choice but to extend Robinson for what he was worth," wrote Woodroof. "With Robinson, London, Pitts and guard Matthew Bergeron all agreeing to new deals over the summer, the Falcons can rest on some vital consistency and good play at multiple positions on the offense. That matters with quarterback uncertainty."

#robinson #year #choice

With the new contract for running back Bijan Robinson, the Falcons have recently given big deals to four young players who have become part of the nucleus of the team.
Beyond Robinson, the Falcons have extended 2021 first-round tight end Kyle Pitts (three years, $54 million), 2022 first-round receiver Drake London (four years, $141 million), and 2023 second-round guard Matthew Bergeron (four years, $96 million).
While some could reasonably quibble about the value of the various contracts when considering the players' on-field accomplishments to date (except for Robinson, who was a bargain), the new regime in Atlanta clearly regards all four players as key pieces for the present and foreseeable future.
That raises a question. Who drafted those players? It was former G.M. Terry Fontenot. Although the Kirk Cousins-Michael Penix Jr. misadventure from 2024 likely doomed everyone whose fingerprints were on those bang-bang decisions that blew up for the Falcons, Fontenot clearly did his job capably when it comes to selecting players whom the Falcons have since compensated as "keepers."
The other side of the coin is the question of whether the Falcons may be overcommitting cash and cap ****** e to Pitts, London, and Bergeron. Each contract represents a prediction that they'll earn the money. If they do, great. If they don't, the Falcons could end up in a cap crunch with not much to show for it.

#falcons #robinson #pitts #london

Bijan Robinson has not been practicing at Falcons training camp amid contract negotiations, but it looks like it is time for him to get on the field.
According to multiple reports, Robinson has agreed to a three-year extension in Atlanta. Robinson was under contract through 2027 with an $11.323 million salary locked in for the final year after the Falcons exercised their fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
The extension is reportedly worth up to $75 million with $51 million in guaranteed money and $37 million at signing. The base value is $66.75 million, which makes Robinson the highest-paid running back in the league in average annual salary.
Robinson may not remain in that spot for long, however. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Colts running back Jonathan Taylor are also looking for extensions, so the picture at the top could change in the near future.
Wherever Robinson winds up, the move is the latest in a series of big deals for members of the Falcons offense. Wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and guard Matthew Bergeron have also signed long-term deals with the team this offseason.

#long

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa made his 11-on-11 debut at Atlanta Falcons training camp on Monday as full pads went on for the first time.
A strong fan turnout made its presence known with applause as Tagovailoa took the field, rookie receiver Zachariah Branch showed flashes of brilliance and Jeff Ulbrich returned to the practice facility.
Offensive guard Matthew Bergeron had one extra thing to smile about after signing a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Saturday, joining a list of young Falcons playmakers who have been rewarded for their efforts leading up to the season.
Tears welled up in Bergeron's eyes as he talked about what it means to continue his career in Atlanta, the southern city that has become home for the Canadian offensive guard since being drafted in 2023.
"Being Canadian and not having much family in the U.S., to be able to be here and everybody just welcomes you with open arms and southern hospitality — just being able to stay in Atlanta means the world to me," he said.

#branch #falcons #means

The Falcons held Day 4 of training camp on Saturday to a boisterous crowd, but the biggest news came off the field with the massive extension for Matthew Bergeron. Kevin Knight brings you his thoughts on Bergeron's contract and the most important notes for Saturday's practice. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of The Falcoholic Live!
You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below. The podcast typically posts a few hours after the live show records.
If you're interested in supporting the show, become a Channel Member or check out our Patreon page to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!
Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here! Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.
You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!

#using #falcons #falcoholic

WESTFIELD – Colts All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson said he's not been involved in any discussions regarding his expiring contract as the 30-year-old approaches the start of Year 9 in Indianapolis. The former sixth-overall pick from the 2018 draft signed a four-year, $80 million extension a day before the start of the 2022 season.
The deal raised the bar on NFL guard contracts with its $20 million average annual value and $60 million in guaranteed money. Since then, Philadelphia's Landon ****** erson (four years, $84 million), Tampa Bay's Luke Goedeke (four years, $90 million) and Dallas' Tyler Smith (four years, $96 million) have exceeded that deal. On Saturday, multiple reports around the NFL stated that Atlanta guard Matthew Bergeron had joined Smith with a four-year, $96 million deal.
Even as he enters his 30s, Nelson has remained playing at this Pro Bowl and All-Pro stature his entire career, and he remains one of the league's best players at his position – ESPN's poll of execs, coaches and scouts had him voted No. 2 overall entering this season.
Nelson said during OTAs he was leaving talks surrounding his future to his agent and the Colts' front office, noting, "Worrying about it or thinking about it isn't going to help me accomplish any of my goals, so I leave that to them."
Said Nelson on Saturday: "I haven't had any discussions. That's not up to me, and I'm just really thankful to be here. I'm excited to be here, and I love this team, love my teammates."

#four #year

WESTFIELD – Colts All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson said he's not been involved in any discussions regarding his expiring contract as the 30-year-old approaches the start of Year 9 in Indianapolis. The former sixth-overall pick from the 2018 draft signed a four-year, $80 million extension a day before the start of the 2022 season.
The deal raised the bar on NFL guard contracts with its $20 million average annual value and $60 million in guaranteed money. Since then, Philadelphia's Landon ******* erson (four years, $84 million), Tampa Bay's Luke Goedeke (four years, $90 million) and Dallas' Tyler Smith (four years, $96 million) have exceeded that deal. On Saturday, multiple reports around the NFL stated that Atlanta guard Matthew Bergeron had joined Smith with a four-year, $96 million deal.
Even as he enters his 30s, Nelson has remained playing at this Pro Bowl and All-Pro stature his entire career, and he remains one of the league's best players at his position – ESPN's poll of execs, coaches and scouts had him voted No. 2 overall entering this season.
Nelson said during OTAs he was leaving talks surrounding his future to his agent and the Colts' front office, noting, "Worrying about it or thinking about it isn't going to help me accomplish any of my goals, so I leave that to them."
Said Nelson on Saturday: "I haven't had any discussions. That's not up to me, and I'm just really thankful to be here. I'm excited to be here, and I love this team, love my teammates."

#million #colts

Falcons break the bank for emerging offensive line star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons continue to invest heavily in the foundation of their roster, ensuring another key member of their young core will remain in Atlanta for years to come.
On Saturday, the Falcons announced they have signed starting left guard Matthew Bergeron to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $60 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Bergeron was entering the final year of his rookie contract and would have become a free agent after the season.
The extension is another major statement from the Falcons' front office as it continues rewarding homegrown talent. Atlanta has made it a priority to secure its emerging stars with long-term deals, reinforcing a roster built around youth, stability and continuity.
General manager Ian Cunningham praised Bergeron's impact both on and off the field.

#sporting #bergeron #contract

The Atlanta Falcons completed their fourth training camp practice this afternoon in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Fans poured into IBM Performance Field for the team's official "Back Together Saturday" event.
Matt Ryan even made an appearance, however, he stuck to his role as president of football and did not fill in at quarterback like fans probably hoped. On the bright side, Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham got another one of the team's core players signed to a long-term deal.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Matthew Bergeron gets a contract extension, Kevin Stefanski praises James Pearce and Zachariah Branch, Jawaan Taylor's return timeline is revealed and we round up the best clips from Saturday's open practice.
Atlanta has signed left guard Matthew Begeron to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Bergeron, a second-round pick back in 2023, has quietly established himself as one of the better interior offensive linemen in the NFL over the last three seasons.
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron's new deal is a four-year, $96 million contract that includes $60 million in guaranteed money. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham already re-signed Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and he was happy to reward another core player with a new contract.

#falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have signed left guard Matthew Begeron to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Bergeron, a second-round pick back in 2023, has quietly established himself as one of the better interior linemen in the NFL over the last three seasons.
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron has agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension that will keep him in Atlanta through the 2030 season. The contract is worth a reported $60 million in guaranteed money.
This is a big deal for the Falcons as Bergeron gives the team some stability up front. Atlanta just lost center Drew Dalman in 2025 and right tackle Kaleb McGary retired in the offseason.
The Falcons had $38,606,359 in salary cap ******* e available prior to Bergeron's extension, according to Over The Cap. The fourth-year guard was due to make $4,806,451 in the final year of his deal in 2026, so we will have to wait and see how his extension is structured.
Since entering the league in 2023, Bergeron has started 49 games at left guard for the Falcons. The former Syracuse standout played tackle in college before moving to guard under former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.

#guard

In his rookie year of 2023, Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron became an instant starter. With three years under his belt, he's now getting his reward.
The Falcons have announced that Bergeron has been signed to a contract extension.
ESPN reports that it's a four-year, $96 million deal, with $60 million guaranteed at least for injury. (The full guarantees at signing weren't specified.)
Bergeron started all 17 games in 2023 and 2024. He started 15 games in 2025, missing two.
As a rookie, Bergeron was on the field for every offensive snap.

#year #started

There's no disputing that Bijan Robinson is the best player on the Atlanta Falcons' roster this year. As to who's the second best, there are almost a dozen candidates with a decent case.
The strongest of them is likely that of right guard Chris Lindstrom, who Atlanta picked in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then he's made four Pro Bowl teams and played at a consistently high level for the Falcons. Perhaps most impressively he's only missed one game due to injury since his rookie season.
Lindstrom is the lynchpin of Atlanta's starting combo at guard, a duo that has been ranked one of the top five in the league by Matt Verderame at Sports Illustrated.
"Lindstrom has long been one of the standard-bearers at guard. A four-time second-team All-Pro, Lindstrom has been a tower of power for the Falcons since being drafted in 2019, only missing one game since his rookie campaign. All told, Lindstrom's grade of 88.4 on Pro Football Focus ranked second among guards, while his 91.7 run-blocking mark topped the charts."
Not to be overlooked, left guard Matthew Bergeron also earned praise in the blurb from Verderame.

Few around the NFL have fallen in love with the Atlanta Falcons' offseason moves thus far, but general manager Ian Cunningham knows his job is to play chess not checkers. The team's latest moves to extend tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London will help this franchise in both the short and long term.
The Falcons freed up nearly $20 million in cap **** e by retaining these two offensive playmakers. However, Cunningham would be wise to use some of that money to extend other key players, including Bijan Robinson and Matthew Bergeron.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Atlanta's offensive line receives some love, Bleacher Report calls out A.J. Terrell's recent ESPN snub, we look at updated salary cap numbers and one concerning stat for Tua Tagovailoa.
ESPN's recent poll of NFL personnel did not include A.J. Terrell among the top 10 cornerbacks in the league, however, Terrell was included in the honorable mentions section. Bleacher Report took exception with a few of the players left off of ESPN's poll, highlighting Terrell among biggest snubs.
"There's some fantastic cornerback talent in the honorable mention section," wrote B/R's Paul Kasabian. "Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. has been one of the better players at his position since arriving in the league in 2020. The knock on him here appeared to be a lack of interceptions (six over his six years)."

There are more questions than answers regarding the Atlanta Falcons and how they'll do in the 2026 NFL season, especially after a major front office overhaul and a quarterback competition to come.
However, if there's one thing that Atlanta fans can bank on it's the strength of their offensive line.
Last year the Falcons had one of the better units in the league and going into 2026 they should only do better now that they have the legendary Bill Callahan as their coach. They also have the all-important continuity going for them. According to an ******* ysis by Warren Sharp, Atlanta's offensive line is the 10th-best in the NFL this year.
"The unit finished 14th in pass block win rate in 2025. They added former Chief Jawaan Taylor in free agency to play right tackle following Kaleb McGary's retirement. The Falcons' line was very healthy last year, with four starters playing over 1,000 snaps at their respective positions."
From left to right the Falcons will be starting long-time veteran Jake Matthews at left tackle, 26-year old Matthew Bergeron at left guard, Ryan Neuzil returning at center, four-time Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom at right guard and either Jawaan Taylor or Wanya Morris starting at right tackle in place of McGary.

For the fifth consecutive year, former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg has been left waiting for a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 on Monday, and Zetterberg was not among the players selected for induction. Instead, Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, Cindy Curley, and executive Brian Burke earned enshrinement this year.
For Red Wings fans, the news is likely to reignite a familiar debate: How much longer will Zetterberg have to wait?
This marked Zetterberg's fifth appearance on the Hockey Hall of Fame ballot since becoming eligible.
To gain induction, a candidate must receive support on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast by the Hall's 18-member selection committee. Specific voting totals are not made public, leaving little insight into how close Zetterberg came to earning a spot this year.

An innocent woman was killed when gunmen fired 70 to 80 bullets into a car at a Louisiana gas station, apparently believing that their target was in the car, according to police.
Hammond police said the gunmen's alleged target had been in the car before the shooting, but not at the time of the shooting.
Before the gunfire erupted early Thursday, the suspects were stalking a car at a farm, Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said at a news conference.
Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann likes to read about serial killers in jail: Sheriff
"At some point [the alleged target] was in the vehicle, and then exited the vehicle to ride with someone else," Bergeron said.

An innocent woman was killed when gunmen fired 70 to 80 bullets into a car at a Louisiana gas station, apparently believing that their target was in the car, according to police.
Hammond police said the gunmen's alleged target had been in the car before the shooting, but not at the time of the shooting.
Before the gunfire erupted early Thursday, the suspects were stalking a car at a farm, Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said at a news conference.
Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann likes to read about serial killers in jail: Sheriff
"At some point [the alleged target] was in the vehicle, and then exited the vehicle to ride with someone else," Bergeron said.