The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a pivotal offseason in the NFC South, where a strong roster move or two can catapult them into playoff contention. With new leadership under President Matt Ryan and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, there's a palpable sense of optimism in Georgia. But before they can make a serious run at the division title, they'll need to navigate some financial hurdles to maximize their salary cap space.
As the 2026 NFL offseason kicks off, the Falcons find themselves with $26.1 million in cap space, ranking them 13th in the league. While that's a solid starting point, a few strategic maneuvers could position them as major players in free agency. Let's dive into the four key moves the Falcons should consider to bolster their cap space.
First up, it's time to address the Kirk Cousins contract. Cousins is set to count $24.6 million against the cap this season.
However, with some savvy financial planning, the Falcons can alleviate some of that burden. By designating Cousins as a post-June 1 cut, they can spread his dead cap hit over two years.
This move would mean a $22.6 million hit this year and $12.5 million in 2027, ultimately saving $2.1 million this offseason. While not perfect, it's a smarter play than letting his cap hit balloon to $90.4 million in 2027.
In addition to Cousins, the Falcons could gain immediate cap relief by releasing veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney. After a standout debut season in Atlanta, Mooney's production dipped significantly in 2026, with his stats falling from 64 catches, 992 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025 to just 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown last season. Cutting Mooney would clear $7.4 million in cap space, allowing the team to pursue more productive free agents or re-sign key players like Kyle Pitts, Tyler Allgeier, or David Sills V.
Another critical move involves securing long-term commitments from star wideout Drake London and veteran safety Jessie Bates through contract extensions. These extensions can not only keep these core players happy but also reduce their cap numbers.
London, currently on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract at $16.8 million, could see his cap hit drop to around $7.5 million with a new four-year, $130 million extension, saving the Falcons $9.3 million. Similarly, a three-year, $50.2 million deal for Bates could lower his cap hit from $24.7 million to $15.9 million, saving another $8.8 million.
By executing these strategic moves, the Falcons could save an additional $25.5 million in cap space, bringing their total to $51.7 million as they head into free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. This financial flexibility gives Matt Ryan and the Falcons the leverage they need to make impactful roster decisions and aim for a successful season.