Atlanta Falcons Report: Dante Fowler Jr. accepts a pay reduction

Dante Fowler Jr. has reportedly accepted a pay reduction with the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have to make some major financial moves this offseason to make room to fill out the roster and to potentially become contenders again.

The Falcons have already restructured the contracts of LT Jake Matthews and QB Matt Ryan to get under the salary cap, but they’ve got more moves to make if they want to be able to make some noise this offseason.

The latest reported move is another step in the right direction.

The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz reported Wednesday morning that edge-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. had accepted a pay reduction. Fowler Jr. is currently scheduled to earn a $13 million base salary in 2021 and this move will reduce that figure. However, Schultz said specifics aren’t available yet.

Atlanta Falcons are exploring every avenue possible and Fowler Jr. is showing an appetite for competition & motivation to win

There are a lot of Atlanta Falcons fans who were disappointed in Fowler Jr.’s performance last season and rightfully so.

There were many who wanted the franchise to part ways with him and move on. However, you’ve got to admit that him being willing to take a pay cut shows that he is willing to lose money in an effort to win and prove himself.

Fowler Jr. didn’t have to accept a pay cut. He could’ve easily played out this year on his contract and still cost the Falcons dead money had he been cut. Instead, he’s showing a willingness to be a team player and a desire to prove to the world that he is an elite edge-rusher.

He wants more than to make money, he wants to compete. He wants the Falcons to be competitive. That is a testament in and of itself.

As more details emerge on Fowler Jr.’s pay cut and what it means to the salary cap, we’ll provide updates.