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As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the Atlanta Falcons have wrapped up with an 8-9 record and a third-place finish in the NFC South. That positioning has now finalized the team’s opponents for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
The Falcons will once again face their NFC South rivals twice each – home and away – while matching up against the full NFC North and AFC North divisions.
Falcons’ 2026 Opponents Revealed
Additional games come from the rotating schedule: a road trip to face the third-place NFC East finisher (Washington Commanders) and home contests against the third-place teams from the NFC West (San Francisco 49ers) and AFC West (Kansas City Chiefs).
Here’s the complete breakdown of the Falcons’ 2026 opponents, with each team’s 2025 record noted for context:
Home Opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
Note: One of these home games will be designated as an international matchup, per the NFL’s award to the Falcons in December 2025. The specific opponent, location, and date will be revealed later.
Away Opponents
- at Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- at New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- at Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
- at Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- at Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- at Washington Commanders (5-12)
The full 2026 schedule, including dates, times, and prime-time slots, will be released by the NFL this spring. In the meantime, Falcons fans can start marking their calendars for what promises to be an exciting slate right here in Atlanta!
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for all the latest Falcons news, analysis, and offseason updates as the team gears up for 2026. Rise Up!
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Atlanta food lovers, the wait is over—Mirae, the sleek modern Asian-fusion gem from husband-and-wife team John and Grace Lee (the creative minds behind beloved Chamblee spot Fūdo), is officially rolling out its complete dining experience at Parkside on Dresden.
After debuting in late October with a limited menu and weekend-only service, Mirae is now expanding its offerings and hours starting today, Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The restaurant has evolved into a thoughtful, coursed dining destination that beautifully blends rich Asian culinary traditions with comforting, reimagined classics—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a special night out in Brookhaven.
Highlights from the expanded menu include:
- Chilean Seabass soy-infused with cauliflower puree, nasturtium oil & tuile
- Matsukasa Yaki featuring king oyster mushroom, truffle shoyu, rice cracker & consommé
- Miso Short Ribs paired with wasabi mashed potatoes
- Aged Wagyu Don with goma abura, nori, Nanatsuboshi rice, yuzu cream & nama tamago
- Luxe pasta options: bafun uni & truffle or Hokkaido scallop & wasabi cream
Plus, plenty of shareable plates, hearty hot dishes, and artful desserts to round out the lineup.
The bar program steps up too, with an impressive selection of craft cocktails, sakes, sojus, and a refined wine list designed to match the menu’s layered flavors.
New sips to try include the Winter Blossom (spiced rum, lychee, citrus & falernum) and the refreshing Jade Highball (reposado tequila, shochu, matcha, lemon & orgeat).
To mark the occasion, Mirae is hosting a special neighborhood gathering tonight, Thursday, January 8, from 5-10pm.
Stop by for live music from 6-9pm, complimentary amuse bouche bites, and a free glass of sparkling wine—no RSVP needed.
It’s the perfect way to check out the new vibes in Brookhaven’s walkable dining scene!
Mirae is now open for dinner:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 5–10pm
- Friday–Saturday: 5–11pm
Reservations are recommended via Resy, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Photos of the stunning space and dishes are available courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee—trust us, they’ll make you hungry just looking!
Head over to 1350 Dresden Dr. in Brookhaven and see why Mirae is quickly becoming a must-visit for Atlanta’s Asian-fusion scene. We’ll see you there!
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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In a league where superstars can shift the balance of power overnight, the Atlanta Hawks are reportedly positioning themselves for one of the biggest acquisitions in franchise history: Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis.
As the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling that the Hawks could be the frontrunners to land the nine-time All-Star, potentially reshaping the Eastern Conference and igniting a new era of Hawks basketball.
Hawks Considering Anthony Davis
Sources indicate that the Hawks have Davis high on their wish list, viewing him as a transformative piece who could anchor their defense and provide elite scoring alongside emerging talents like Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels.
With Atlanta having traded All-Star guard Trae Young—whose dynamic playstyle has been a staple but perhaps not the perfect fit for long-term contention—the team sees a potential deal for Davis as a way to pivot toward a more balanced, championship-caliber roster.
Davis, currently with the Mavericks, has been the subject of intense speculation amid Dallas’s recent skid and questions about their title window.
The 32-year-old big man, known for his dominant two-way play, is averaging impressive numbers this season despite the team’s struggles.
League insiders report that Davis is open to a move to Atlanta, where he could sign an extension and chase another ring in a fresh environment.
This willingness aligns with Atlanta’s aggressive approach, as the Hawks join the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors as expected suitors.
However, the path to acquiring Davis isn’t without hurdles.
The Hawks are reportedly not rushing a Young trade, and financial considerations loom large—pairing Davis’s max contract with Young’s would be challenging, making a Young-for-Davis swap unlikely given Dallas’s lack of interest.
Instead, Atlanta might need to orchestrate a multi-team deal, potentially involving assets like their control over the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick, which has drawn interest from the Mavericks in return packages.
Critics argue that passing on Davis could be a missed opportunity for the Hawks, especially as they aim to climb back into playoff relevance after a middling start to the season.
Imagine Davis patrolling the paint at State Farm Arena, blocking shots and posterizing opponents—it’s the kind of addition that could electrify the fanbase and make Atlanta a destination for free agents once again.
As talks heat up, Hawks fans should stay tuned. If this deal materializes, it could be the spark that propels Atlanta back into the NBA’s elite. What do you think, ATL? Sound off in the comments below!
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In a stunning development that ends an era in Hawks basketball, the Atlanta Hawks have traded four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards.
In return, Atlanta receives veteran guard CJ McCollum and wing Corey Kispert, with no draft picks involved in the deal, according to multiple reports including ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Hawks Trade Trae Young To Wizards
This move, in the works for days now, marks the close of Young’s remarkable seven-plus-year run with the Hawks, where he became the face of the franchise after being drafted in 2018. The Hawks are reportedly eyeing Dallas big man Anthony Davis.
Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins reacted strongly to the deal, praising the Hawks’ pivot while hyping Young’s potential impact in Washington: “The Hawks made the right move. They got a young up-and-coming star in Jalen Johnson who is now their franchise player who is going to be the face of that franchise for a long time.”
Young, who led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 and earned four All-Star nods plus All-NBA honors in 2022, has been central to some of the most exciting moments in recent Hawks history.
His elite scoring and playmaking — including leading the league in assists last season — made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
However, recent challenges set the stage for this split.
Basketball analyst Ciaran O’Neill gave high marks to both sides: “Wizards Grade: A. The Wizards buy low on 4x All-Star Trae Young, who will be their new franchise player and point guard of the future. He will be a great player to set up their abundance of young wings such as Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, and Keyshawn George. This deal gives Wizards fans a light at the end of the tunnel that they could potentially be a playoff team next year.”
The Hawks have struggled this season with Young in the lineup, posting a poor record and defensive issues, while the team has shown better pace, ball movement, and defensive intensity in games without him.
With significant front-office changes, a new head coach in Quin Snyder, and Young’s looming $49 million player option for next season limiting Atlanta’s flexibility, both sides saw a fresh start as the best path forward.
The trade reunites Young with Travis Schlenk — the executive who originally brought him to Atlanta and is now the Wizards’ vice president of player personnel.
Washington, deep in a rebuild with young talent and ample cap space, views Young as a high-upside addition who can orchestrate the offense, create for emerging players, and provide a spark to end their playoff drought (last appearance: 2021). The Wizards can absorb his contract without issue and potentially build around him long-term.
For the Hawks, the incoming pieces offer immediate value and future flexibility:
- CJ McCollum brings veteran leadership, reliable scoring (averaging around 18-19 points this season), and an expiring $30.6 million contract that opens up cap room and trade possibilities this summer.
- Corey Kispert adds sharpshooting from the wing on a team-friendly deal, complementing Atlanta’s young core including Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
This deal allows the Hawks to pivot toward a more balanced, defense-oriented, and younger identity that has shown promise in stretches this season.
It also positions Atlanta to pursue other moves — potentially even targeting a big name like Anthony Davis — as they aim to climb back into Eastern Conference contention.
Final Word
Hawks fans, it’s the end of the Ice Trae era in Atlanta, but the beginning of something new. We’ll miss the logo threes, the clutch performances, and the energy he brought every night.
Thank you, Trae, for the memories — from that ECF run to countless highlight-reel plays.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for reactions, analysis, and what’s next for the Hawks. What do you think of the trade? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! #HawksNation #TradeSZN
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Just days after the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris, the veteran NFL coach is already generating buzz around the league as a top candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Morris is scheduled to interview for the head coaching positions with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
The report indicates that Morris will conduct in-person meetings with all three teams over the next eight days, marking a quick rebound for the 49-year-old coach following his dismissal in Atlanta.
The Falcons finished the 2025 campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season under the current regime. Morris, who was hired in 2024, compiled a 16-18 record over two seasons in Atlanta.
The move came as a surprise to some fans but was seen as necessary by team owner Arthur Blank, who cited the need for “new leadership” after repeated disappointing finishes despite high expectations surrounding the team.
Despite the short tenure in Atlanta, Morris remains highly regarded league-wide for his defensive expertise and leadership. He previously served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011 and as interim head coach for the Falcons in 2020.
More recently, he has been praised for his work as a defensive coordinator and assistant coach with several teams.
Morris was let go by the Falcons on Sunday night alongside general manager Terry Fontenot, hours after the team’s season-ending 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The Cardinals, Giants, and Titans are all in the market for new head coaches following their own disappointing 2025 seasons.
The Giants and Titans made midseason changes earlier in the year, while the Cardinals are seeking fresh direction as well.
Morris’s quick pivot to these interviews underscores his strong reputation among NFL decision-makers.
With a packed schedule ahead, the former Falcons coach could be one of the first major hires of the 2026 coaching carousel.
Falcons fans will be watching closely as Morris looks to land his next opportunity, while the search for Atlanta’s next head coach continues with several names already emerging as potential candidates.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for the latest updates on the Falcons’ coaching search and the ongoing NFL hiring cycle.
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Just in time for those New Year’s resolutions, Sweetgreen is bringing a new lineup of nutrient-packed salads and bowls to its Atlanta restaurants, created in collaboration with functional medicine expert Dr. Mark Hyman and his company, Function Health.
Sweetgreen, one of the best salad restaurants in Atlanta, launched its limited-time menu nationwide on January 6, emphasizing “food that loves you back” – delicious, real-ingredient meals built around key biological needs like energy, focus, and overall vitality.
Sweetgreen Launches New Menu for New Year
While many markets get the full selection in-store, Atlanta diners (along with those in Florida and Boston) can access the two online-exclusive bowls through the Sweetgreen app or delivery partners like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
What’s On the New Menu at Sweetgreen?
The standout online-only options available here include:
- Iron Boost Bowl: Antibiotic-free caramelized garlic steak with spicy broccoli, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, almonds, golden quinoa, arugula, and lime cilantro jalapeño sauce – packed with iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins for an energy lift.
- Steady Energy Bowl: Antibiotic-free roasted chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, spicy broccoli, cilantro, pickled onions, wild rice, shredded kale, and green goddess ranch – loaded with nutrient-dense veggies and quality protein for sustained fuel.
These join Sweetgreen’s core menu at local spots, complementing favorites with even more intentional, health-supporting ingredients.Dr. Mark Hyman, co-founder of Function Health and a leading voice in functional medicine, designed the dishes based on decades of research. “Food is a powerful signal we send to our bodies,” Hyman said. “Every ingredient on this menu was thoughtfully selected… The result is food people genuinely crave that also supports how the body functions.”
Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman added that the partnership makes healthy eating “intuitive, satisfying, and something guests can return to again and again.”
Atlanta’s Sweetgreen outposts – including Midtown (Colony Square and 14th + Peachtree), West Midtown, Perimeter Center, Emory Village, Ponce City Market, and more – are ideal spots for locals looking to kick off 2026 with better-for-you meals.
Rewards members can also score in-app education from Dr. Hyman on the dishes’ benefits, plus enhanced macro tracking and a $50 credit toward Function Health testing.
Where is Sweetgreen in Atlanta?
Here are the current Sweetgreen locations in the Atlanta, GA area as of January 2026:
Location Name/Neighborhood Address Midtown (Colony Square) 1201 Peachtree St NE, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30361 Ponce City Market / Old Fourth Ward 650 North Ave NE, Suite 102B, Atlanta, GA 30308 West Midtown / Westside 1050 Howell Mill Rd NW, Suite 107, Atlanta, GA 30318 Lenox Square / Buckhead 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 3065C, Atlanta, GA 30326 Perimeter Center / Dunwoody 123 Perimeter Center W, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30346 Emory Village 1556 North Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 Final Word
Whether you’re grabbing pickup in Buckhead or delivery to your downtown office, these new bowls offer a fresh way to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. Head to the Sweetgreen app or your nearest location to try them while they last.
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Atlanta food lovers, rejoice—EATS is back! The beloved comfort-food institution, known for its hearty meat-and-threes, legendary jerk chicken, and eclectic pasta dishes, is reopening this spring at the vibrant Lee + White complex along the Westside BeltLine.
After 32 years of serving up affordable, soul-satisfying meals on Ponce de Leon Avenue near Ponce City Market, EATS closed its doors in October 2025 due to rising property taxes, water bills, and other economic pressures.
EATS Is Re-Opening, Moving To Food Hall
The news left the city mourning the loss of a true Atlanta institution that had become a cross-section of the city—where tattooed locals, office workers, college students, and everyone in between gathered for a no-frills, high-flavor experience.
But the story doesn’t end there. In a heartwarming twist announced on January 6, 2026, Wild Heaven Beer has acquired the EATS brand and will bring it back to life inside their West End taproom at the Lee + White development.
EATS said in an Instagram post: “”Same vibe. Same energy. Just a new home in the West End with the good folks at Wild Heaven Beer, which also means a much fuller beer situation. Growth.”
The brewery, already a staple in Atlanta’s craft beer scene, plans to honor the restaurant’s legacy with 99% fidelity to the original experience.
Co-owners Nick Purdy and Eric Johnson, along with longtime EATS fans Brent and Amity Dey, are stepping up as stewards of the brand. “We’re not trying to be a tribute band,” Purdy said. “We’re trying to be the band and keep it going.”
What Can Customers Expect on the Menu?
The new location will feature the classic menu that Atlantans know and love—including the epic return of the pasta dishes—alongside Wild Heaven’s own food offerings. Expect the same jerk chicken, veggies, meat-and-threes, and that welcoming, eclectic vibe that made EATS special.
The team is even incorporating original EATS furniture, decor, and kitchen equipment into the space, and longtime manager Levi Nichols will help ensure continuity.
The former owner, Bob Hatcher, expressed excitement about the revival, noting how a group passionate about preserving Atlanta’s culinary history approached him to keep the brand alive.
When Will EATS Re-Open in Atlanta?
Set to open in March 2026, this rebirth is already generating massive buzz—EATS’ Instagram announcement about the “phoenix rising from the ashes” received nearly 1,000 excited comments in hours.
The Lee + White complex, with its mix of breweries, food halls, and BeltLine access, provides the perfect modern home for this classic Atlanta spot.
Final Word
For generations of locals who grew up grabbing a plate at EATS, this isn’t just a reopening—it’s a celebration of the city’s enduring food soul.
Stay tuned for more details on the exact opening date and any menu tweaks as the team prepares to welcome back old fans and introduce the spot to new ones.
Welcome home, EATS. Atlanta’s been waiting for you.
Speaking of dining in the city, the best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
Follow us for updates on Atlanta’s food scene, restaurant openings, and all the comfort-food goodness the city has to offer.
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The 2026 Peach Bowl will once again feature two nationally ranked college football teams squaring off in Atlanta.
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, scheduled for January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature the Indiana Hoosiers facing the Oregon Ducks.
This matchup is part of the College Football Playoff (CFP), with the winner advancing to the finals.
When Is The Peach Bowl This Year?
The Peach Bowl will be played on January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.
The undefeated No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) will face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (13-1) in a highly anticipated Big Ten rematch with a spot in the national championship on the line.Game Details
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Available on ESPN app and services carrying ESPN (e.g., Fubo, Sling)
The winner advances to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
How They Got Here
Both teams earned their semifinal berth with dominant quarterfinal performances on New Year’s Day.
The Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, crushed No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, showcasing a balanced attack with Mendoza throwing three touchdowns and the defense stifling the Crimson Tide.
Oregon delivered a shutout in the Orange Bowl, blanking No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 behind a stout defense and efficient offense.
A Rematch with History
This matchup is a rematch of an October regular-season clash where Indiana upset Oregon 30-20 in Eugene – the Ducks’ only loss of the season. The series is now tied 2-2 all-time, but this will be the first postseason meeting between the Big Ten foes.
It’s also historic for the Peach Bowl: the first time two teams from the same conference have met in the game’s 58-year history, and Oregon’s debut appearance in the bowl.
Indiana is making its third Peach Bowl trip (previously losing in 1988 and 1990), while the Hoosiers aim for their first-ever CFP National Championship berth.
Tickets and Atmosphere
Initial ticket inventory sold out months ago, marking the 26th sellout in the last 29 Peach Bowl games. Resale tickets are available through platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster, though prices are elevated due to demand.
Expect a record crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, building on the bowl’s recent attendance highs. Fan events, tailgating, and pre-game festivities will light up downtown Atlanta throughout the week.What to Watch For
- Can Oregon avenge its regular-season loss and exploit any Hoosiers vulnerabilities?
- Will Indiana’s perfect season continue, propelled by Mendoza’s arm and a relentless defense?
- Big Ten pride is on the line in this intra-conference showdown.
Atlanta proudly welcomes college football’s elite for what promises to be an unforgettable semifinal. Stay tuned for more coverage as kickoff approaches!
The Peach Bowl is one of the biggest college football bowl games that take place at the end of the season. It is traditionally one of the best and important bowl games in America. This year will be no different, particularly because it’s a part of the College Football Playoff.
Everything You Need To Know About The Peach Bowl
The Peach Bowl, officially known as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl due to sponsorship, is one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games. Here’s a breakdown of its history:
Founding and Early Years
- Established: 1968, initially as the “Peach Bowl.”
- Location: Originally held at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field in Atlanta before moving to Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (1971), the Georgia Dome (1992), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017).
- Purpose: Created to promote tourism and economic activity in Atlanta.
Evolution of Prestige
- Early Reputation:
- In its early years, the Peach Bowl was considered a lower-tier bowl game, often featuring unranked or regionally popular teams.
- Sponsorship and Growth:
- Chick-fil-A became the title sponsor in 1997, boosting the game’s visibility and financial stability.
- Over time, the Peach Bowl grew into a major destination for teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC).
- College Football Playoff Era:
- In 2014, the Peach Bowl became part of the New Year’s Six bowl rotation, hosting semifinals for the College Football Playoff (CFP) every three years.
Memorable Games
- 1984: Army defeated Michigan State 10–6, marking Army’s first bowl win.
- 1991: East Carolina staged a dramatic comeback to beat NC State 37–34.
- 2006: Georgia defeated Virginia Tech 31–24 in an intense ACC-SEC matchup.
- 2016: Alabama beat Washington 24–7 in a CFP semifinal.
- 2022: Georgia narrowly defeated Ohio State 42–41 in another CFP semifinal, solidifying its reputation as a venue for thrilling games.
Notable Contributions
- The Peach Bowl has distributed millions to participating schools and local charities.
- It holds the distinction of being the highest-attended bowl game outside the CFP National Championship for several years running.
Historic Firsts
- 1971: Became the first bowl game to host an African-American head coach, Jake Gaither of Florida A&M.
- 1992: Hosted the first-ever game in the newly built Georgia Dome.
Cultural Impact
- The Peach Bowl has become a holiday tradition in Atlanta, boosting local tourism and hosting pregame and postgame events like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game to start the college football season.
The Peach Bowl’s rise from a modest regional game to a national showcase is a testament to Atlanta’s role in college football and its ability to host high-profile sporting events.
Where Is The Peach Bowl?
The Peach Bowl is always held in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The venue for the Peach Bowl is Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If you’ve never been to the stadium, the address is 1 AMB Dr., NW Atlanta, GA 30303. Don’t worry. You can’t miss it.
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In a move that provides immediate salary cap relief and sets a clear timeline for the future, the Atlanta Falcons and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins have agreed to modify the final two years of his contract, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The restructuring significantly reduces Cousins’ 2026 base salary from $35 million (non-guaranteed) to just $2.1 million, shifting the $32.9 million difference to increase his 2027 compensation.
Key Decision Looms by March 13 for Cousins, Falcons
This adjustment also adds a $67.9 million vesting guarantee for the 2027 season that activates on March 13—the third day of the 2026 NFL league year.
As a result, the Falcons must decide on Cousins’ future with the team well before that date, as it’s highly unlikely any organization (including Atlanta) would absorb such a massive guarantee.
This agreement offers upside for both parties. For the Falcons, the immediate drop in Cousins’ cap hit creates much-needed flexibility as the team navigates a major organizational overhaul following the recent departures of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
Atlanta now has more room to maneuver in free agency and the draft while searching for new leadership to guide the franchise forward.
For Cousins, the 37-year-old signal-caller, the modification clarifies his status: he is poised to become a free agent by March 13 at the latest.
This timeline gives him and the broader NFL market certainty, allowing potential suitors to plan accordingly without the overhang of an enormous 2027 commitment.
Importantly, the restructure does not impact any previously guaranteed money owed to Cousins, and it doesn’t preclude a return to Atlanta.
The veteran, who expressed after the Falcons’ season-ending win over the New Orleans Saints that he would “love” to stay in Atlanta, could still negotiate a new deal with the incoming regime if both sides align on vision and role.
High Hopes When Cousins Arrived in Atlanta
Cousins joined the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season on a four-year, $180 million contract, bringing veteran stability to the quarterback room. After a full season as starter in 2024, he transitioned to a backup role in 2025 behind first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
An injury to Penix opened the door for Cousins to start the final seven games, where he went 5-3 while throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions in 10 total appearances (eight starts).
With Penix expected to reclaim the starting job in 2026 (barring setbacks in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury), the Falcons appear positioned to move forward with the younger quarterback long-term.
A post-June 1 release designation remains a likely outcome if no extension materializes, allowing Atlanta to spread any remaining dead cap money across 2026 and 2027 while maximizing near-term flexibility.
As the Falcons embark on their search for a new general manager and head coach, this contract tweak provides a clean slate at the game’s most important position.
Whether Cousins finishes his career in Atlanta or begins a new chapter elsewhere, today’s agreement represents a pragmatic step forward for all involved.
Final Word
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for the latest updates on the Falcons’ offseason moves, coaching search, and what comes next for the quarterback position. #RiseUp
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One of the most striking landmarks in the Southeast is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a towering structure that combines modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete with dynamic shapes and open spaces.
From the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to pro football and soccer, this shining jewel of downtown Atlanta is used all around the year. Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues to draw crowds just to witness the sheer spectacle of it all. Not only was the venue the home of Super Bowl LIII, but it has hosted world-class events since it opened.
In this article, we will tell you everything to know about state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Everything You Need To Know About Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened on August 26, 2017 with a Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. When it opened, the venue was crazy cool, but the retractable roof system was inoperable at the time.
Everything you need to know about Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium is run by AMB Group,a consortium that is under the tutelage of Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, the pro soccer club.Speaking of the NFL team, the stadium was built to replace the Georgia Dome, the Falcons’ home stadium from 1992 until 2016.
Here’s what to know about the coolest features at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1. When Was Mercedes-Benz Stadium Built?
The stadium was conceptualized in 2014 when city officials and billionaire Arthur Blank agreed on plans for a new sports venue. The stadium began construction in 2017 and opened up a year later.
2. How Much Did Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cost?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium cost $1.6 billion to build. The price tag raised some brows not only around Atlanta, but across the country.
Even with its high cost, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not the most expansive stadium in the United States. That distinction belongs to two Western structures. In California, Los Angeles Stadium costs $2.66 billion. No. 2 on the list is Las Vegas Raiders Stadium, which comes in at $2.4 billion.
3. Does Mercedes-Benz Stadium Have A Retractable Roof?
The retractable roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the venue’s most famous features. When the stadium opened to the public, the roof didn’t retract, but they have since fixed it.
The eight-panel retractable roof that resembled a pinwheel, but what few observers notice is that the eight triangular translucent panels create the illusion of a bird’s wings extended when it’s opened.
The stadium features a retractable roof with a unique “pinwheel” design. The roof is made of eight movable panels that open and close like the petals of a flower. This is a visually striking design and provides a cool, flexible experience for both outdoor and indoor events.
When it’s fully opened, the roof provides a wide-open view of the sky and the Atlanta skyline, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy features of the stadium.
4. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Has The Lowest Prices Of Any Major Sports Venue
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in fall 2017, one of the main selling points was the fact that its concessions prices were super low. Those low prices extend to all events at the stadium, from concerts to Atlanta United games, Falcons games and more.
In 2025, food prices at the stadium dropped even lower. Stadium brass also said that a low “domestically priced” craft beer would go on sale.
5. MercBenz Has The World’s Largest Video Board
The stadium has the claim to fame as having the largest video board in the world. This is the largest LED video display on Earth. It technological masterpiece was designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. There are also more than 82,500 square feet of video displays around the stadium.
Last Words
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become top gem in the sports world.
It’s a true architectural masterpiece and has been recognized for its innovation and beauty.Design flexibility allows the stadium to be easily adapted for different events, meaning that every game or concert feels unique in the way it’s experienced.
Since fall 2017, MercBenz has hosted several major sports events, including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the SEC Championship Game and the College Football National Championship Game. This is the first Super Bowl, but not the last. The stadium is booked for events through the next few years, including concerts like Beyonce, Jay Z and more.
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