3 New Year’s resolutions for Atlanta Falcons in 2022
![Dec 26, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) reacts with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Dec 26, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) reacts with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbloggingdirty-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F17412502-850x560-8971784702da633b0ffed6c424f5792e24dc56bf343a5ca870b7015ef8bcb0cb.jpg)
Falcons second New Year’s resolution: Be willing to let key players walk
This one will be disappointing for Falcons fans, but it is best when you consider the future of the franchise.
Much of the reason that the team is in a bad spot when it comes to cap space is due to the previous regime not being willing to let big-name players walk in free agency. It seems like anytime they had a big-time player due for a new contract, they would sign them no matter the cost.
The front office needs to be willing to let a few important players leave for other teams. Guys like Hayden Hurst, Foye Oluokun, and possibly Calvin Ridley.
In all likelihood they will have no choice but to let Hayden Hurst and Foye Oluokun leave, there simply is not enough money to keep them around, especially when you have Oluokun’s counterpart, Deion Jones, making the type of money he is making.
Calvin Ridley is another guy that they should be willing to let go of, it would have to come in a trade though. They could save around ten million dollars if they trade him elsewhere, which would give some much-needed cap relief, not to mention the draft pick or picks it would produce.
All in all, be willing to say goodbye to some important players for the greater good of the team. They have already shown they are willing to by trading Julio Jones last offseason, they must keep that up.