The Falcons only have about $25 million in cap space this offseason, but the NFL salary cap is maneuverable, and Terry Fontenot can create nearly $20 million in cap space by cutting a few players as well as another $25 million with contract restructures to others.
The point is the Falcons can create a ton of cap space if they want to be big players in free agency this offseason. With roster holes at the most expensive positions in the game — quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver, edge — they might need it.
The one position I am very intrigued with this offseason, other than the quarterback void (obviously), is the edge defender group. The draft has a few prospects at the top in Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, and Laiatu Latu. The trade market could materialize as teams shed salary; Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are a couple of names to watch.
The free agent class is also absolutely loaded with talent. Not only are there upper-echelon players available like Danielle Hunter, Josh Allen, and Brian Burns, if those teams don’t use the franchise tag, but there’s also incredible depth at the position.
Jadeveon Clowney, Josh Uche, Bryce Huff, Chase Young, Jonathan Greenard, Za’Darius Smith, and more are going to be available in free agency as well. There’s a diverse blend of experience, youth, and upside at a range of price tags.
The Falcons would be wise to come away with at least one of the aforementioned edge defenders in free agency, the draft, or via trade. That’s exactly what CBS Sports has the team doing, inking former No. 2 overall pick, Chase Young, to a four-year deal worth $62 million.
The 49ers enjoyed one of Young’s best performances in the Super Bowl, and on paper, the ex-Washington Commanders star makes sense as a long-term fit alongside Nick Bosa, his former Ohio State teammate. But they’d also get a solid compensatory draft pick if he walks, and his overall half-season performance after the trade deadline probably won’t justify the money he’ll command on an extension. Other clubs, meanwhile, figure to be more desperate for pass-rush help.
Out of all the options available, Young certainly wouldn’t be my first choice, but he’s a better option than the Falcons have had in a long time. Still, if we are spending upwards of $60 million on a free agent pass rusher, I hope it’s someone who has been more consistent than the Ohio State product.
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Photographer: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire
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