3 Largest 2023 Atlanta Falcons scheduled cap hits

2 of 4

Nov 6, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) passes over Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Christian Covington (95) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Marcus Mariota’s $14.5 Million cap hit

Marcus Mariota is currently scheduled to be Atlanta’s third largest cap hit with possible savings of right around $12 million if Atlanta were to trade or cut the veteran. It is hard to see anyone being willing to trade for Mariota with what the veteran put on tape last season for Atlanta. The Falcons are going to cut Mariota and move forward with Desmond Ridder or another off-season addition.

Even Arthur Smith now knows there is no way that Mariota is going to work as a starting quarterback in this league. His time with the Falcons was defined by his inability as a passer and a bad habit of turning the ball over at the worst time.

Cutting Mariota opens up over $80 million in cap space and leaves the Falcons with the ability to pay a play more capable of supporting and pushing Desmond Ridder from the backup position. Whether it is Jacoby Brissett or Baker Mayfield Atlanta needs to spend money on the backup position for a player they can count on and that money can be saved by cutting Marcus Mariota.

Home/Falcons Roster