Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

James Pearce Jr. not at Falcons’ voluntary offseason workouts, coach Kevin Stefanski says

James Pearce Jr. did not report to the Atlanta Falcons' voluntary offseason workouts, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday.

By MAURA CAREY / AP Sports Writer April 8, 2026

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski speaks during an Atlanta Falcons NFL media availability, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Kirk Cousins says best QB should start if Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza

Kirk Cousins was blindsided when Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in 2024 — just a month after he signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

By MARK ANDERSON / AP Sports Writer April 8, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)

‘High-character’ Farooq a rare familiar face for Vols at safety

For Tennessee junior safety Edrees Farooq, losing players at his position group to graduation or the NCAA transfer portal is nothing new given the uprooting nature of today's college football.

By David Paschall April 7, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo / Tennessee junior safety Edrees Farooq has been joined at his position by four players that the Volunteers recently acquired through the NCAA transfer portal.

Pendleton assisting in developing young Vols quarterbacks

Tennessee quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon aren't just being guided this spring by coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle.

By David Paschall April 6, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo by Kate Luffman / Tennessee center Sam Pendleton (56) listens to former Vols quarterback Joey Aguilar during last season's win at Kentucky.

Subscriber Exclusive

Lively learning to be a leader up front for Mocs

Recently, while walking on the sideline at Scrappy Moore Field, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive lineman Devin Lively was overheard saying something to the extent of, "Just get behind me, get behind this offensive line and let's go score some touchdowns."

By Gene Henley April 6, 2026

Staff photo by Abby White / Devin Lively, 50, lifts Justus Durant in celebration. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team played The Citadel at Finley Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Former Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins agrees to deal with Raiders

Kirk Cousins has agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, giving them a veteran quarterback to ease the expected selection of Fernando Mendoza as the NFL draft's top pick.

By MARK ANDERSON / The Associated Press April 2, 2026

Veteran NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who spent the past two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, has agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. (AP File Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Fernando Mendoza makes Indiana’s pro day a show like never before

Fernando Mendoza warmed up with his college roommate Wednesday while nearly two dozen former teammates took turns running the 40-yard dash.

By MICHAEL MAROT / The Associated Press April 1, 2026

Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, right, responds to questions from NFL Network host Rhett Lewis during the Hoosiers' pro day Wednesday in Bloomington. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Falcons hire Eagles executive Jeff Scott as assistant general manager

The Atlanta Falcons hired Jeff Scott from the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday to join the revamped front office as assistant general manager.

By The Associated Press April 1, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons huddle on the field before a game against the Indianapolis Colts last Nov. 9 in Berlin. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Titans sign former Vols QB Hendon Hooker, three other free agents

The Tennessee Titans signed four free agents Wednesday, adding quarterback Hendon Hooker, running back Michael Carter and receivers Lance McCutcheon and K.J. Osborn.