The Atlanta Falcons are currently facing a tough situation with their salary cap, as they are short on cap space but still have pressing issues to address. The team is eyeing the possibility of signing All-Pro safety Simmons, who is one of the best players left on the market. However, with the Falcons having only $3.55 million in available cap space, many are questioning how they can make such a move, especially with other needs on the roster following the announcement of rookie edge Bralen Trice missing the entire 2024 season.
General Manager Terry Fontenot, who hails from an NFC South franchise, is tasked with finding ways to create cap space for the team. He will need to navigate through various options to free up money for potential signings. Despite the challenges, Fontenot is determined to find a solution to the team’s cap constraints.
One potential avenue for the Falcons to explore is making a trade to free up cap space. However, it may not be easy to find a player who is both desirable in a trade and expendable for the team. Running back Tyler Allgeier is one player who fits this criteria, but losing him could put the team’s run game in jeopardy. Therefore, the Falcons must weigh the pros and cons of trading players for cap relief.
Another option for the Falcons is to consider cutting players to save money. While this could potentially free up significant cap space, cutting key players like Lorenzo Carter, Richie Grant, or Mike Hughes may not be feasible due to the team’s lack of depth at their positions. The team will need to carefully evaluate their roster and consider which players are expendable in order to make the necessary cuts.
If the Falcons do decide to make cuts for cap relief, they may need to focus on the defensive line room, which currently boasts the most talent. Cutting players like Ta’Quon Graham, Eddie Goldman, or LaCale London could provide some relief, albeit not a significant amount. However, the team will likely need to explore other moves in addition to cuts to maximize their cap space.
Overall, the Falcons are facing a challenging situation with their salary cap, but Fontenot and his team are determined to find a solution. Whether through trades, cuts, or other means, the Falcons are exploring all options to address their pressing needs while staying within their financial constraints.