The NFL wage cap is flexible, and Terry Fontenot can generate about $20 million in cap room by eliminating a few players in addition to another $25 million through contract restructures to others. The Falcons only have about $25 million in cap space this offseason.
The takeaway is that if the Falcons wish to be significant players in free agency this summer, they can generate a ton of cap space. They might need it because they have openings in their squad at the most expensive positions in the game: wide receiver, edge, quarterback, and cornerback.
Aside from the obvious quarterback position, the one position this summer that has me really fascinated is the group of edge defenders. Three players are at the top of the draft class: Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, and Laiatu Latu. Teams that reduce payroll may find themselves in the trade market; two players to keep an eye on are Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
There is also an abundance of quality in the free agent class. If those clubs choose not to use the franchise tag, there are not just elite players like Josh Allen, Brian Burns, and Danielle Hunter available, but there is also a ton of depth at the position.
Additionally available in free agency are Jadeveon Clowney, Josh Uche, Bryce Huff, Chase Young, Jonathan Greenard, Za’Darius Smith, and others. A variety of price points are available for this unique combination of youth, expertise, and upside.
It would be prudent for the Falcons to acquire at least one of the previously named edge defenders through trade, the draft, or free agency. That’s just what the team is doing, according to CBS Sports, as they have signed former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young to a $62 million four-year contract.
Young had one of his best games for the 49ers in the Super Bowl, and he seems like a long-term fit with Nick Bosa, his former Ohio State colleague, after leaving the Washington Commanders. However, if he goes, they’d still receive a strong compensatory draft pick, and his entire half-season output following the trade deadline most likely won’t match the salary he’ll demand on an extension. Meanwhile, it appears that other clubs are in greater need of pass-rush assistance.
Although Young wouldn’t be my first pick among the available possibilities, he is by far the best the Falcons have had in a long time. However, I hope the pass rusher we sign as a free agent is someone who has shown more consistency than the Ohio State product, especially if we are shelling out more than $60 million for him.
