The news of safety DeMarcco Hellams’ injury status on Monday morning was disappointing for many fans. While he will miss a significant amount of time, it is not a season-ending injury, which is a relief. However, this news has prompted the front office to schedule a two-day recruitment visit with free agent safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons is currently one of the top players available in the market, but his high asking price has kept many teams at bay. With the Atlanta Falcons having only $3.55M in cap space, it raises the question of how they can afford to sign him, especially with the recent announcement of rookie edge Bralen Trice missing the entire 2024 season.
Navigating the salary cap is a challenge for many teams, but it is essential for the Falcons to make strategic moves to create space. General Manager Terry Fontenot will need to explore options such as trading, cutting, restructuring, or extending contracts to free up cap space and address the team’s needs.
Trade
Identifying players for potential trades can be tricky, as they need to be desirable to other teams while also considered expendable by the Falcons. While Tyler Allgeier may fit this description, the risk of relying solely on Carlos Washington Jr. and Jase McClellan in the run game makes it a challenging decision.
The potential gains from a trade may not outweigh the risks, as the Falcons would only gain a modest amount in cap space. Unless they can secure a valuable pick or address other needs through a trade, it may not be a viable option.
Cut
Cutting players for cap space is limited for the Falcons, as many players provide essential depth and talent in key positions. While cutting certain players could save significant amounts, it may weaken the team overall. Exploring cuts in positions with more depth, such as the defensive line, could provide some relief.
However, the overall impact of cutting players may not be substantial enough, and additional moves may be necessary to maximize cap relief.
Restructure
Restructuring contracts can be a useful tool if done strategically. Players like Kaden Elliss and Kyle Pitts could be candidates for restructuring, as it could provide immediate savings without significant long-term consequences. However, caution is advised when restructuring deals to avoid future financial challenges.
While restructuring higher-cap hits like Chris Lindstrom or Grady Jarrett could offer more savings, it may complicate future cap management. Balancing short-term gains with long-term implications is crucial in making restructuring decisions.
Extension
Extending contracts, particularly with key players like A.J. Terrell, could be a viable solution for creating cap space. Terrell’s value has increased, and securing his future with the team could provide significant savings. While there may be concerns about paying top dollar, it could address long-standing issues in the cornerback position.
Combining cuts, restructures, and extensions could give the Falcons the necessary cap space to address their needs while maintaining financial stability. Fontenot will need to make strategic decisions to navigate the team’s current challenges effectively.