Raheem Morris has just announced another NFL trade deadline, which is…
The string is being played by the Atlanta Falcons. Certainly, given the Saints’ humiliation at the hands of the Rams on Thursday night football in Week 16, they have a chance to win two or three games and qualify for the postseason. No, I don’t think that’s very realistic, and their success going forward is less important than what they can and will do to improve a disappointing, underperforming club.
In light of this, it would seem logical to briefly examine the Falcons’ upcoming summer plans at this point. Now let’s put that into practice.
Cap space
With $37 million in cap space, the Falcons rank 19th in the league and will have ample room to acquire a big-name player and bolster their roster. If they would like to make extra room, there are ways to do so.
Cutting Taylor Heinicke is probably the most likely. Desmond Ridder is likely to be the team’s backup in 2024 instead of the seasoned quarterback, and the Falcons can save $7 million by moving on with just $2 million in dead money. That seems to me like a virtual lock.
By letting Jonnu Smith go, they can save an additional $6.5 million, and his future might depend on whether Arthur Smith is still with the company in 2024. Given that Smith has been important to Atlanta this season, extending or changing that contract is probably necessary if he returns. However, if Arthur Smith leaves, he might no longer meet the needs of the new coaching staff. The Falcons would save $3.2 million by removing cornerback Mike Hughes, which is another obvious decision that would cost them almost $50 million.
They can acquire $3.75 million by moving on from Lorenzo Carter if they need even more room, even though Carter is a very valuable reserve. For slightly under a million dollars each, DeAngelo Malone and Ade Ogundeji, who don’t seem to suit Ryan Nielsen’s defensive philosophy, may be cut. Given how effectively Terry Fontenot and company performed last year and the fact that so many defenders were on one-year contracts, it seems likely that the Falcons will make at least a few of these changes to assure they can be aggressive in free agency again.
Although it’s a possibility, I don’t think the team will cut Grady Jarrett, who just recovered from a serious injury. That would save the team almost $12 million; if they wanted to free up cash, I could see them trying to rework the deal. Given that Jarrett is the team’s leader and still has a lot of football left in him, that should be a last-resort decision.
Agents without charge
This is a short list, with players I believe will re-sign highlighted in bold.
QB Logan Woodside
TE/QB RFA RB Feleipe Franks Patterson Cordarrelle
FB Keith Smith, WR Scotty Miller, WR Mack Hollins, WR KhaDarel Hodge, and WR Van Jefferson
TE MyCole Pruitt OL Ryan Neuzil, ERFA DL Calais Campbell, RFA OL Matt Hennessy, and OL Ethan Greenidge
DT RFA DL Albert Huggins DL Joe Gaziano EDGE of Kentavius Street Bud Dupree, ILB ERFA’s Nate Landman
CB Okudah Jeff
CB Trena Flowers
LS ERFA Liam McCullough
Here are just a few key priorities. Landman is one, but because he is a free agent with exclusive rights, his price will be very low. Calais Campbell and Jeff Okudah need to be called up by the team; I would really love to have them back. Given the defensive line improvements I anticipate this team to make, the former would likely return more as a reserve, while Okudah, who has played well this year, looks to be at risk of being permanently passed by Clark Phillips over the remaining few games. Though I would welcome Okudah returning, I anticipate the team prioritizing a new contract for A.J. Terrell and going with Terrell, Phillips, Dee Alford, the versatile Flowers, and a draft pick or free agency signing.
There are other players who are good to have but not essential. Anticipate a nearly complete overhaul of the wide receiver group outside of Drake London, with Hodge returning if Arthur Smith decides to do so because of his offensive and special teams value.
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