Can the Falcons make a run at anymore significant free agents?

With the NFL Draft now concluded, the second wave of free agency should begin to pick up. Although, in the Falcons case, that won’t happen until after June 1st, when they receive their post-June 1st money for Desmond Trufant, which will be just over $10 million. Currently, Atlanta only has a little over $2 million in cap space available but is poised to have around $12.5 on June 2nd. 

Now, much of that will be used to sign their draft class, which projects to cost around $6 million against the cap in 2020, per Over The Cap. That should leave the Falcons with about $6-7 million to target free agents. Although, most teams prefer to keep a few million in their pocket for mid-season acquisitions in case an injury takes place. 

However, the Falcons could still save money in other ways, like restructuring the contract of Julio Jones. Of course, this would only move the suffering to a later year, which they’ve already done with so many players, but it could open up close to $8 million if Atlanta opted to take full advantage. The Falcons could also maneuver the cap by extending players like Alex Mack and Keanu Neal, reducing their number in 2020, or by finding a trade partner for Jamon Brown or James Carpenter. Although those moves are less likely and would not save nearly as much cap individually. 

As you can see, Dimitroff is going to have some wiggle room after June 1st, and he has some options to create even more, opening up the door for the possibility of another significant free-agent signing. The Falcons could probably use another veteran in the room as far as the cornerback position goes, and because they decided not to address it during the draft, an edge rusher is still a need. Depending on how much maneuvering the Falcons want to do, they could be in play for several high-quality free agents. No, Jadaveon Clowney is not coming to Atlanta, but a pass rusher like Cameron Wake and possibly even Everson Griffen or Markus Golden is fathomable, while a veteran corner like Brandon Carr would be easily affordable.