The Atlanta Falcons have had a rather hectic start to free agency. Right before the legal tampering window opened, reports emerged indicating that the Falcons were the frontrunners to sign recently released Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Now, the team has gone out and made its first big addition of the offseason on the offensive side of the ball.
While Tagovailoa hasn’t put pen to paper on a contract yet, it’s appearing increasingly likely he will wind up on the Falcons. And when he does, he’s going to need some targets to throw to, especially if Michael Penix Jr. is forced to miss the beginning or the year as he recovers from a torn ACL. As a result, Atlanta made a big move involving one of its former wide receivers, Olamide Zaccheaus.
Falcons Sign Olamide Zaccheaus in Free Agency
Seven years after making Atlanta’s roster as an undrafted free agent, OZ is back in the ATL on a deal negotiated by @bparker of @vaynersports.
Zaccheaus has been in the NFL since 2019, when he broke in with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Falcons, gradually becoming a bigger piece of their offense as time went on. He enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022, as he caught 40 passes for 533 yards and three touchdowns.
Over the past three seasons, Zaccheaus has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Chicago Bears, and he’s had varying levels of success with each team. In 2025, Zaccheaus was a secondary target in the passing game for Caleb Williams and the Bears, as he caught 39 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
A big-play threat, Zaccheaus isn’t the most consistent wide receiver in the world, but he’s a valuable piece who should be able to make an impact, regardless of who is under center for Atlanta. After spending three years away from the Falcons, reports indicate he’s set to return to his first home in the NFL, as he has signed with his former team in free agency.
“Reunion: Veteran WR Olamide Zaccheaus is signing with the Falcons, per sources,” Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported in a post on X. “Seven years after making Atlanta’s roster as an undrafted free agent, OZ is back in the ATL on a deal negotiated by Brandon Parker of VaynerSports.”
Falcons Immediately Get to Work in Free Agency
GettyBears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
This certainly isn’t the biggest move that will be made across the league on Monday, but with the Falcons moving on from Darnell Mooney, they needed another wide receiver to come in and work behind Drake London. While a new regime is taking over in Atlanta, Zaccheaus has experience with the organization, which should serve him well as he returns to town.
While the exact terms of this deal weren’t immediately reported, chances are the Falcons didn’t have to break the bank to sign Zaccheaus. Now, the front office will look to keep the positive momentum rolling, as it still has several areas of need that must be addressed as the team begins to get ready for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Falcons Make First Move After Tua Tagovailoa Report Emerges