The Falcons are projected to have just $6.7 million in salary cap room after franchise tagging defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and extending backup quarterback Matt Schaub. That leaves very little room for Atlanta to re-sign its own pending free agents, let alone add anybody else.
The team has reportedly begun contract extension talks with linebacker Deion Jones, but that won’t save much this year. Here’s eight more ways that the team can free up more money for 2019. All salary cap info and potential savings estimates are courtesy of Over the Cap.
1. Restructure QB Matt Ryan’s mega-deal
Last May, the Falcons signed their former MVP quarterback to a five-year, $150 million deal. Matt Ryan is still worth every penny of that contract and he proved it again with a brilliant 2018 season. Tinkering with his deal can help get Ryan the pass protection that he needs. Converting base salary into a signing bonus is one popular cap-room move around the league, but it’s not their only option.
Potential cap savings: $8.376 million
2. Trade DE Vic Beasley to another team
It’s time for Atlanta to punt on Vic Beasley. Since his sensational 2016 season, Beasley’s game has fallen off a cliff. We know there’s a market because the Falcons got trade offers before the deadline last year. Getting a sixth or seventh-round pick in return would be a win.
Potential cap savings: $12.81 million
3. Sign DT Grady Jarrett to a long-term contract
Unless the unsubstantiated rumors that Grady Jarrett is demanding Aaron Donald money are actually true, then hammering out a deal is in both sides’ best interest. The sooner the Falcons can sign Jarrett to a long-term contract extension, the better.
Potential cap savings: A lot
4. Restructure CB Desmond Trufant’s deal
While Matt Ryan has lived up to his mega-deal, Desmond Trufant has not. His five-year, $68.75 million contract extension is quickly becoming a serious financial obstacle. If Trufant gets back to playing at a top-10 cornerback level, he’ll be worth that investment. Until then, a restructure could help bring in some badly-needed cornerback depth.
Potential cap savings: $6.52 million
5. Show WR Julio Jones the money
Julio Jones held out of OTAs last year in the hopes of getting a well-deserved pay-raise. He got a promise to renegotiate this year. Paying Mr. Jones will not only keep the best athlete on the team happy, it can help save some cap room. Jones gets more guaranteed money and the Falcons get to back-load his cap hits.
Potential cap savings: $6.936 million
6. Restructure LT Jake Matthews’ contract
Jake Matthews is another high-earning player but a solid investment. After signing a five-year, $72.5 million extension, Matthews had his best season yet and went to the Pro Bowl for the first time. Restructuring Matthews’ deal could help the team improve the situation next to him at left guard.
Potential cap savings: $4.556 million
7. Cut OT Ryan Schraeder after June 1
In theory, a restructure might also work for right tackle Ryan Schraeder, but coach Dan Quinn told the media at the NFL Combine that Ty Sambrailo is going to start at that spot. In that case, there’s no good football reason to keep Schraeder around. Cutting him would mean taking on $3.8 million in dead money over the next three years, though.
Potential cap savings: $6.45 million
8. Extend WR Mohamed Sanu’s contract
Some would argue Calvin Ridley’s presence makes cutting Sanu the right move. While that would save $12.5 million in cap room over the next two years, it would also mean a $2.8 million penalty and rob the team of one of its most versatile players. Sanu is a valuable possession receiver and a brilliant trick-play option at quarterback. Extending his deal would provide some relief for 2019 to address other positions that are not as deep as wide receiver.
Potential cap savings: $4.056 million
