Atlanta United Announces 2026 Roster Decisions as Club Enters a New Era

 

Atlanta United announced its year-end roster decisions ahead of the 2026 MLS season, outlining which contract options were exercised, which were declined, and which conversations remain ongoing as the club shapes its roster for the year ahead. Nineteen players are already under contract for 2026, with the club picking up options on six additional players and remaining in discussions with another for a potential return.

Brooks Lennon: A Major Chapter in Atlanta United’s Story

Among the declined options, the departure that hits the hardest is Brooks Lennon.

Lennon has been one of the club’s most reliable pillars—game after game, season after season. His work rate, versatility, and leadership set a standard within the locker room. From dangerous service in the final third to his tireless two-way play, Lennon’s impact stretched far beyond the stat sheet. He embodied the identity of the club, becoming a player fans could always count on. His chapter in Atlanta closes with respect, gratitude, and an undeniable legacy.

Contract Options Exercised

Atlanta United exercised the options on six players heading into 2026:

• Matthew Edwards
• Jay Fortune
• Jayden Hibbert
• Will Reilly
• Jamal Thiaré
• Cayman Togashi

Contract Options Declined

Options were declined on:

• Leo Afonso
• Josh Cohen
• Ronald Hernández ^
• Brooks Lennon
• Nyk Sessock

Atlanta United remains in discussions with Hernández regarding a potential return.

Noah Cobb’s Situation Moving Forward

Noah Cobb continues his loan spell with the Colorado Rapids, and the next month will determine his long-term future. Colorado holds a permanent trade option through Dec. 15, giving them the opportunity to secure the young defender on a full-time move.

Cobb’s time with the Rapids has been an important step in his development—offering consistent MLS minutes, valuable experience, and a chance to grow in a new environment. Whether he returns to Atlanta or continues his journey in Colorado, his progress has positioned him as one of the club’s most promising young talents.

Brad Guzan’s Legendary Career Comes to a Close

Brad Guzan officially retires, closing the curtain on a storied career that left a permanent mark on MLS and Atlanta United history.

Guzan has been more than a goalkeeper—he’s been a leader, a voice, and a cornerstone of the club’s identity. From lifting the 2018 MLS Cup to anchoring the team through countless highs and lows, his presence defined an era. His leadership, resilience, and connection with supporters made him one of the most influential players ever to wear the Five Stripes.

His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape the club for years to come.

MLS Offseason Timeline

• Dec. 10: Free Agency opens (1 p.m.)
• Dec. 11: Re-Entry Process, Stage 1 (1 p.m.); End-of-Year Waivers close (5 p.m.)
• Dec. 17: Re-Entry Process, Stage 2
• Dec. 18: 2026 MLS SuperDraft (three rounds; Atlanta holds three picks, including No. 2 overall)

Atlanta United Roster (as of Nov. 18, 2025)

Goalkeepers (1):

Jayden Hibbert

Defenders (8):

Pedro Amador, Juan Berrocal ^, Dominik Chong Qui, Noah Cobb **, Matthew Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Kaiden Moore ***

Midfielders (11):

Miguel Almirón, Steven Alzate, Jay Fortune, Saba Lobjanidze, Alexey Miranchuk, Edwin Mosquera *, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Bartosz Slisz, Adyn Torres

Forwards (5):

Luke Brennan, Ashton Gordon, Latte Lath, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi

*On loan with Millonarios F.C. (through June 30, 2026)

**On loan with Colorado Rapids (through Dec. 15, 2025)

***Homegrown Player effective Jan. 1, 2026

^On loan from Getafe (through June 30, 2026)

As Atlanta United turns the page toward a new chapter, the departures of Brooks Lennon and Brad Guzan mark the end of two deeply impactful eras—but they also shine a light on the foundation they helped build.

Brooks Lennon leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, professionalism, and heart. He became a blueprint for what it means to wear the Five Stripes with pride—always dependable, always relentless, always ready to give more. His influence will live on in the young players who grew under his example and in the standard he helped set inside the locker room. While his time in Atlanta comes to a close, the door to future opportunities—whether as an opponent, teammate again someday, or simply as a cherished part of club history—remains wide open.

Brad Guzan’s retirement brings an emotional end to one of the most iconic careers in MLS and Atlanta United history. A captain, a champion, and a voice who guided the club through some of its greatest moments, Guzan’s legacy will stretch far beyond the matches he played. He leaves behind lessons in leadership, resilience, and accountability—pieces of himself that will continue to shape the club long after he’s stepped off the pitch.

And that’s the beauty of moments like these: endings make room for beginnings.

As the club prepares for 2026, the paths carved by Lennon and Guzan don’t disappear—they clear the way for the next generation. Their impact doesn’t fade—it inspires. Their chapters may be closing, but in many ways, they’re still helping write what comes next.

Atlanta United moves forward with gratitude for everything they gave, excitement for the future being built, and confidence that the culture they helped create will carry this club into a new era full of opportunity.

The story continues—and because of them, it’s stronger than ever.