Report: Falcons plan to free up cap space, be “mid-market shoppers”

Every Atlanta Falcons fan knows that the team has one of the worst cap situations in the entire NFL. They are currently over the cap by around an estimated $7 million.

That might seem like a reason to panic but this is the NFL and teams have so many different options at their disposal to be able to free up cap space, and it appears like their plans have now been publicized.

Steve Wyche reveals the Falcons’ plans to become “mid-market shoppers”

For starters, NFL Network’s reporter, Steve Wyche, is well connected to the Atlanta Falcons, he even partnered with the team during last season. He knows the team very well, so, the following report is likely true:

As Wyche states in the video, the Falcons are preparing to make numerous moves to be able to free up enough cap space to become “mid-market shoppers.” As an outsider, this may seem hard to believe as the Falcons are currently over the cap, but where there’s a will, there is a way.

The first move that is mentioned, and said to be happening soon, is the team electing to extend Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Grady Jarrett’s contract.

Jarrett, as it stands right now, is due to have the second-highest cap hit on the roster with it being right under $24 million. Extending him would stretch his cap hit over more years, thus reducing his cap hit.

The next move that is mentioned is the team deciding to extend their longtime left tackle, Jake Matthew’s, contract, who is due to have the third-highest cap hit, sitting right under Grady Jarrett’s total.

These two moves make a lot of sense as these are two players who have been reliable for the team and have plenty of years left. They have been two staples on the lines for many years and that should continue.

The last move is one that the team would prefer not to do and is mentioned as their “code red” option and that is extending Matt Ryan who has the largest cap hit in NFL history. The Falcons apparently do not want to push even more money down the road which is why they would prefer to not make this move.

All of this is very interesting and it shows the team is not willing to just sit back and be total bargain shoppers. Perhaps we will see a couple signings that we would not have expected.