A number of the Falcons’ under contract players may soon become cap victims.
Although Mike Hughes and Lorenzo Carter are also thought to be contenders to be released this offseason as the Falcons get ready for the NFL Combine, the new league year, free agency, and the draft, Jonnu Smith and Taylor Heinicke would save the most money.
Atlanta will be watching a few more potential cap victims in the run-up to free agency.
OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa of the Chargers
It’s possible that both pass rushers will become available this offseason. Mack, who just finished a career-high 17 sacks in 2017, will count roughly $40 million against the Chargers’ cap space.
Bosa will have a $36.6 million cap hit this season after appearing in just 14 games the previous two. There was going to be some attrition since Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz have effective cap spaces that are $45.1 million in the hole.
Mack and Bosa may be free agent targets for the Falcons, who have struggled to produce at the position.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow, who was a 1,000-yard receiver and a Pro Bowler in 2021, has essentially been eased out of the offense in Las Vegas. Due to a concussion, he missed time in 2022 and ended the 2023 season with just 25 receptions for 255 yards while only participating in 35% of the snaps.
He’s now totaled 61 catches over the last two seasons combined, down from his 2021 total of 103 catches. He might be useful, though, if the Falcons offense needs more receivers in the offseason. It would cover the slot receiver position at a low cost on a one-year contract.
QB Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos
The Broncos are ready to let go of Russell Wilson, but doing so will come with a massive dead cap charge of $85 million spread over two years. The Falcons may stand to gain from Wilson and Sean Payton’s apparent unhappy marriage. The Broncos owe Wilson little under $40 million, so the Falcons may be able to sign him for the veteran minimum regardless of where he plays in 2024.
