In Atlanta, the Falcons are gearing up for an offseason that might not see much in the way of blockbuster moves, despite the anticipation from fans eager to break a postseason dry spell dating back to 2017. The new regime faces financial constraints, largely due to their commitment to Kirk Cousins, which limits their ability to make a splash in free agency. Additionally, the absence of a first-round pick, traded away in last year’s draft-night deal for James Pearce Jr., adds another layer of complexity to their roster-building efforts.
Kirk Cousins
The Falcons have already taken steps to manage their cap space by restructuring Kirk Cousins’ contract, which has freed up $26 million. However, this restructuring means that releasing Cousins before the new league year is almost inevitable, though the financial relief is minimal-just $2.1 million in savings for 2026, even with a post-June 1 cut.
Yet, this might not be the end of Cousins in Atlanta. If the market doesn’t heat up for him, there’s a chance he could return as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. on a more team-friendly deal.
Darnell Mooney
Darnell Mooney’s 2025 season was stellar, missing the 1,000-yard mark by a mere eight yards. However, 2026 was a different story.
A broken collarbone sidelined him for training camp and the preseason, and he struggled to regain his form, ending with just 32 catches for 443 yards and a single touchdown. Mooney’s hefty $18 million salary makes him a prime candidate for release, potentially saving the Falcons $7.4 million, or $11.5 million with a post-June 1 designation.
Still, if Mooney agrees to a pay cut, he might stick around, especially given the team’s thin wide receiver corps.
Jessie Bates III
Jessie Bates III, fresh off his second All-Pro selection in three years, is another player under the microscope. Despite his performance, his $25 million cap hit is steep for a safety.
Cutting him post-June 1 could save over $14 million, but the Falcons are more likely to renegotiate his contract to retain his talents. If not, Bates could become a valuable trade asset, with many teams likely interested in his services.
Clark Phillips III
Clark Phillips III, a third-round pick in 2023, has yet to find his footing with the Falcons. Injuries limited him to a single game last season, and with the team looking to revamp their secondary, Phillips might be on the chopping block. Cutting him would free up $3.6 million, giving the Falcons some flexibility as they seek new talent for their defensive backfield.
As the Falcons navigate these financial and roster challenges, they’ll need to make strategic decisions to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. The moves they make-or don’t make-will be crucial in shaping the team’s future trajectory.