Five Atlanta Falcons who should not return in 2021
The Atlanta Falcons are going to have to make some tough decisions this coming offseason in terms of how they build the roster moving forward.
Though the Falcons have some key players coming off the books as we approach the 2021 offseason, the truth is that they won’t have much cap space. Atlanta is estimated to have just somewhere in the $22 million to $25 million range when it’s all said and done.
With that tight of a cap and the fact that this franchise is in dire need of some game-changing players, we’re going to have to see them part ways with players.
Here’s a look at five Atlanta Falcons who should not return in 2021.
5. Charles Harris
Charles Harris is young and still has some promise left in him as far as potentially turning into a solid pass-rusher.
So, why get rid of him?
The Falcons need a proven pass-rusher and they need to pursue names that can give them a starter-caliber player (either through the draft or free agency) and Harris could be an estimated $3 million hit to the cap when it’s all said and done for a one-year deal.
Harris has become a solid part of the Falcons’ defensive end rotation, but let’s not pretend that this group has been special. As a matter of fact, the lack of a formidable pass-rush is one of the things that is keeping this team from being more competitive.
In the end, 15 tackles and three sacks through 13 games is simply production that can be find by many other defensive ends around the league for less money.
4. Blidi Wreh-Wilson
We don’t have anything against Blidi Wreh-Wilson.
He is a solid contributor and has come away with three interceptions on the season- including one just this past weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers that gave the Falcons a chance to win.
The thing is this, though. There are other franchises who are going to be willing to give Wreh-Wilson a little bit more money to be a second-stringer and, frankly, that’s a position that the Falcons would do well to address in the draft.
You’ve already got A.J. Terrell locked up at the position for the near future and the Falcons need to be focused on finding a true pairing with him. Perhaps Wreh-Wilson would be the perfect player to put as a second-teamer, but it all just depends on money.
3. Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub is going to be 41 years old when the 2021 season rolls around.
Yes, he provides good knowledge. Yes, he has been a constant for Matt Ryan for the past few seasons, but the truth is that it’s time for him to move on.
He’s already being asked about life after football and there is simply a belief that Schaub could choose to hang up the cleats after this season.
In addition, it’s time for the Falcons to focus on finding the replacement for Ryan when he retires, as well. What if you took in a project QB in the mid-rounds of the upcoming draft? From there, he could learn under Ryan and develop without any kind of a rush. You could even do that with a first-rounder if you chose to go that direction- though I don’t believe the Falcons will.
Either way, it’s just time for Schaub to go his own way.
2. Alex Mack
We all love Alex Mack.
Mack, a six-time Pro Bowler, is serving out the final year of his contract in which he made $9 million this season.
This has nothing to do with moving on from Mack and his skill set. This has everything to do with the fact that the Falcons simply aren’t going to be able to afford to bring him back- if he does choose that he wants to come back- and, honestly, he deserves better.
Mack has been a Pro-Bowler and he has been loyal to both Cleveland and Atlanta- the only two places that he has spent his 12-year career.
Now, if he is wanting to sign a short-term deal, it’s time for Mack to go find a contender and compete for a championship. That’s all that’s left for him to accomplish.
1. Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley is a great name who is revered by a large portion of the fan base simply because of his collegiate background.
That being said, let’s not pretend he has had a dominant year worthy of the contract that he will ask for. (Spotrac has his market value listed at $12.2 million per year).
Gurley has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry this season and he is going to go where the money is shown. That won’t (and shouldn’t) be Atlanta.
The Falcons would love to keep Gurley and there’s no doubt that he still provides some stability and explosiveness, but what he has brought to the team this year isn’t worth the money that he will attract.
If we’re wrong, then there’s nothing wrong with signing him back for another year, but nothing long-term or even close to what he is going to be rumored to ask for should be offered.