The 2026 season is officially kicking off on Wednesday evening, as the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl 60 rematch. But all 30 other NFL teams are still finalizing their rosters just a few days before kicking off.
Former South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Zacch Pickens has landed an opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons. On Wednesday, the team signed Pickens to their practice squad, where he'll have the opportunity to be called up during the season.
The Falcons have signed DL Zacch Pickens to the practice squad. They have released DL Carlos Allen Jr. in a corresponding move.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) September 9, 2026
Pickens was signed to Atlanta in favor of undrafted free agent Carlos Allen Jr. According to reports, Pickens worked out for the team on Tuesday and was signed a day after his workout. Pickens previously spent time with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the third round with the No. 64 overall pick. He now gets to reunite with the general manager who drafted him in Chicago, in now-Falcons manager Ian Cunningham.
Despite being drafted high by the Bears, his career in Chicago never really panned out. He played in just 26 games across two seasons there, accounting for 39 tackles with 1.5 sacks. The Bears waived him last August, and he was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent most of last season on their practice squad, but was called up to the active roster in mid-December.
He ended up playing for three games for the Chiefs, getting five total tackles. He previously was signed to the Giants in May before getting cut on Aug. 30.
In Atlanta, there is a strong possibility he could move up to the active roster. The Falcons are currently dealing with the suspension off star linebacker James Pearce Jr., who will miss the first eight games. Atlanta signed Za'Darius Smith this offseason, but he left the Eagles early in season last year to care for his dying mother,
The Falcons also have just one defensive end listed on its depth chart on the right side, in Brandon Dorius. Across his four seasons at South Carolina from 2019-2022, he accounted for 131 total tackles with 7.5 sacks and four passes defended.
Congrats to Pickens on continuing his NFL career!
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