4 Atlanta Falcons moves to open up $18 million in cap space

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Oct 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Casey Hayward (29) breaks up a pass to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Scotty Miller (10) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Casey Hayward

Unlike Marcus Mariota there is a strong argument to be made for keeping Casey Hayward on the Atlanta roster. The veteran spent most of the season injured and was unable to make the impact alongside A.J. Terrell the Falcons had hoped for. Cutting Hayward saves Atlanta $5 million against the cap and opens up a lot of space, though not enough to bring in a player of Hayward’s ability.

This move comes down to what Atlanta believes the veteran has left in the tank. After an injury-shortened season is Hayward capable of playing at a high level well into his thirties? This is a question Atlanta must weigh when deciding the veteran’s future.

Even if Hayward is close to the level he was before the injury it is a depth improvement for Atlanta and offers a young position group veteran leadership. Keeping Hayward should be the direction Atlanta is leaning depending on how the veteran is recovering and what Atlanta deems they could get for the $5 million the cut would save.

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