Tua, receivers and specialists: Recapping Falcons’ start to free agency

Receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (per NFL Network)

The Falcons needed multiple receivers to bolster their depth. They agreed to sign old friend Zaccheaus earlier Monday, reacquiring a player who played three seasons with president of football Matt Ryan when Ryan was the Falcons’ quarterback. Zaccheaus, 28, had 1,328 yards and eight touchdowns across four previous seasons with the Falcons. He had 39 catches for 313 yards and two scores for the resurgent Bears last season, where he also overlapped with Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham.

Tight end Austin Hooper (per NFL Network)

The Falcons also reunited with Hooper, who had two Pro Bowl seasons playing with Ryan (2018-19). He provides depth behind Kyle Pitts, who was franchise-tagged. Hooper had 21 catches on 26 targets last season, producing 263 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots. He’s also played for Stefanski in Cleveland.

Receiver Jahan Dotson (per ESPN)

Dotson, 25, was a first-round selection in the 2022 draft. He’s played for the Commanders and Eagles, snagging 121 passes for 1,519 yards and 12 touchdowns over four years. The Falcons reportedly are giving him a two-year, $15 million deal, so they’re envisioning a bigger role for him than he’s had. The Dotson and Zaccheaus acquisitions shouldn’t stop the Falcons from taking a receiver early in the draft, as they need more weapons to complement Drake London and Pitts.

Defensive end Cameron Thomas (per ESPN)

The Falcons added to their defensive line with Thomas, who played for Stefanski the past two years in Cleveland. Thomas, 26, has 6½ sacks and 11 tackles for loss over four years with the Cardinals, Chiefs and Browns. He agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million contract.

Kicker Nick Folk (per NFL Network)

The Falcons agreed to sign Folk, 41, to a two-year deal. Despite his age, he’s remained one of the league’s most consistent kickers. He isn’t a weapon from long range, but he’s proved reliable. He hit 28 of his 29 attempts for the Jets last season. The Falcons used three kickers last season, so their hope is that Folk stabilizes that spot.

Punter Jake Bailey (per ESPN)

The Falcons agreed to ink Bailey, 28, to a three-year, $9 million deal ($5 million guaranteed). He averaged 47.7 yards per punt last year, his best mark since an All-Pro 2020 campaign. Bailey worked with Falcons special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman in Miami last season. Bailey replaces Bradley Pinion, who punted for the Falcons over the past four seasons.