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Falcons will not tender restricted free-agent WR for 2026 season
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- Falcons will not tender restricted free-agent WR for 2026 season
With NFL free agency looming, the Atlanta Falcons need to make some key decisions before the legal tampering period begins on March 9. The Falcons placed their franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts and plan to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , the Falcons will not tender restricted free-agent wide receiver Malik Heath , allowing him to enter free agency next week.
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"A couple of veteran wide receivers who were restricted free agents but won't be tendered, per sources -- Seattle 's Jake Bobo and Atlanta's Malik Heath. Both players will hit unrestricted free agency next week," Fowler reported on Tuesday afternoon.
Heath appeared in 11 games for the Green Bay Packers last season. After getting released by the Packers in December, Heath later signed with the Falcons but did not appear in a game.
The 25-year-old spent the last three seasons in Green Bay (2023-2025), recording 31 catches for 308 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons are expected to revamp their wide receiver room in 2026, so it's no surprise to see them let Heath test free agency.
NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET on March 3 to apply franchise or transition tags. Follow along with each using our 2026 franchise tag tracker . The 2026 NFL free agency period officially begins on March 11, with the legal tampering period opening on March 9.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons will not tender Malik Heath ahead of free agency
