Atlanta Falcons set with the second most cap space in the league

The Atlanta Falcons cap has been set with the team at $56 million in cap space currently and the ability to push that number around $70 million with a few low-impact cuts. Atlanta simply needs to cut Marcus Mariota, Jalen Mayfield, Feleipe Franks, and Casey Hayward to push the cap number to $69 million giving the team to chase any player in free agency or the trade market.

Hayward should be the only question mark in that group considering the impact he has had throughout his career. A corner in his mid-thirties coming off of a serious season-ending injury is a huge question mark, however, making Casey a possible cap cut this off-season. An argument can be made for keeping the corner considering the impact he could have on Oliver and Terrell in a full season in the Atlanta secondary.

There is zero question the Falcons are cutting Marcus Mariota considering how he ended his time with the team. While it was understandable to step away from the team it did send a message that Mariota’s time was over and there is zero chance you can bring him back because of that or because of the cap hit the veteran quarterback would bring.

Cutting Mariota and bringing in a better passer as a backup behind Ridder is the best move for the Falcons. Cutting Mayfield and Franks saves very little cap space but is about sending a message and opening up roster spots to give other players a chance at making an impact.

It is clear Franks isn’t working at either position he has attempted to play and Mayfield can’t consistently block the air in front of him.

Four simple moves that wouldn’t have a high impact on Atlanta’s 2023 season opens up right under $70 million and opens up even more possibilities for what should be a great off-season for Atlanta.