I took control of the Atlanta Falcons in GM Mode with the goal of improving cap flexibility while reshaping the roster through trades, targeted free agency, and a focused draft.
The result was a balanced offseason that added veterans, opened future cap space, and brought in new developmental talent.
The Big Picture
- Starting Cap Space: $9.0M
- Final Cap Space: $17.6M
- Players Cut: 2
- Contracts Restructured: 5
- Extensions: 1
- Trades Made: 4
- Free Agents Signed: 8
- Draft Picks: 5
- Overall Grade: B
The Falcons improved their financial flexibility while retooling several areas of the roster.
Cuts
Two players were released to free up cap space.
- Clark Phillips III (+$3.7M)
- KhaDarel Hodge (+$2.7M)
These moves helped create additional flexibility heading into free agency.
Restructures (5)
- Jake Matthews (+$8.4M)
- Chris Lindstrom (+$8.4M)
- A.J. Terrell (+$7.8M)
- Kaleb McGary (+$5.4M)
- Mike Hughes (+$1.2M)
These restructures helped maintain the Falcons’ core while creating additional cap room.
Extension
DJ Turner II
Cap Impact: +$2.9M
Turner was extended to secure a young piece of the secondary long term.
Trades
Four trades reshaped the roster and added draft capital.
Sent 2026 Pick #79 to Cincinnati
Received: DJ Turner II
Sent Kirk Cousins to the New York Jets
Received: 2026 Pick #175
Sent 2026 Pick #196 to Tennessee
Received: Will Levis
Sent Michael Penix Jr. to Pittsburgh
Received: 2026 Pick #121
These moves reshaped the quarterback room while adding additional draft assets.
Free Agency Additions
Eight players were added in free agency.
John Franklin-Myers (IDL) – 1 year / $12.1M APY
A strong veteran presence added to the defensive line.
Nakobe Dean (LB) – 1 year / $11.0M APY
An athletic linebacker addition for the middle of the defense.
Joe Flacco (QB) – 1 year / $9.4M APY
Veteran quarterback brought in to stabilize the offense.
Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) – 1 year / $7.6M APY
Short-term pass rush help.
Shelby Harris (IDL) – 1 year / $4.1M APY
Additional defensive line depth.
Rashid Shaheed (WR) – 1 year / $2.2M APY
Speed added to the receiving corps.
Elijah Wilkinson (IOL) – 1 year / $2.8M APY (Re-signing)
Offensive line depth retained.
Tyler Allgeier (RB) – 1 year / $3.0M APY (Re-signing)
A familiar power runner kept in the backfield rotation.
Draft Class
Atlanta brought in five draft selections focused on defensive depth and offensive development.
Round 2 – Pick 48
Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
Round 4 – Pick 114
Tyreak Sapp (DL, Florida)
Round 4 – Pick 121
Drew Allar (QB, Penn State)
Round 5 – Pick 175
Markel Bell (OT, Miami)
Round 7 – Pick 232
Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)
Final Take
This Falcons offseason focused on balancing the roster while maintaining financial flexibility. Strategic restructures, veteran additions, and a focused draft class helped reshape the team.
With $17.6M remaining in cap space and multiple contributors added, Atlanta positioned itself for steady improvement.
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