Atlanta Falcons 2026 Cut Candidates

Despite a new regime and a fan base eager to end a postseason drought that has lasted since the 2017 season, this could end up being a relatively uneventful offseason in terms of player transactions.

Because of their financial commitment to Kirk Cousins, the Falcons don’t have a ton of money to spend in free agency. They also don’t own their own first-round pick because of the draft-night trade involving James Pearce Jr. last year. It won’t be easy to significantly improve the roster, but some cap space can be created with a few notable offseason releases.

Kirk Cousins

The Falcons already restructured Kirk Cousins’ contract earlier this offseason, which is the only reason they currently have $26 million in cap space. The way it was restructured essentially guarantees Atlanta will have to release the veteran quarterback before the new league year, but they won’t save much by doing so. Even with a post-June 1 designation, cutting Cousins would result in just $2.1 million in additional savings for the 2026 season.

Additionally, just because they cut Cousins doesn’t mean the Falcons won’t revisit contract negotiations later this offseason. If the market is cooler than expected, it’s possible he could return as insurance for Michael Penix Jr. on a cheap deal.

Darnell Mooney

After a fantastic season in 2025 — one in which Mooney finished just eight yards short of 1,000 receiving yards — 2026 was an abject disaster. Mooney missed all of training camp and the preseason with a broken collarbone, and he never seemed to find his footing once he returned, hauling in just 32 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown.

Outside of Cousins, Mooney is the most obvious cut candidate on the Falcons’ roster. He’s set to make $18 million in 2026, and the Falcons can save $7.4 million by releasing him. They can also save close to $11.5 million by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation. That seems like the most obvious route. However, if Mooney were to agree to a restructured deal at a reduced figure, perhaps the Falcons would consider keeping him, given their lack of depth at wide receiver.

Jessie Bates III

It’s hard to imagine the Falcons cutting Jessie Bates III after he earned his second All-Pro nod in three years with the team, but he’ll be 29 years old next season, doesn’t play a premium position, and carries a cap number of nearly $25 million. That’s significant for a safety, and the Falcons could save more than $14 million by designating him a post-June 1 cut.

It’s far more likely Atlanta attempts to reduce that figure and keep Bates around. If not, perhaps they dangle him on the trade market in exchange for additional draft capital. There would surely be plenty of interested suitors around the league, but it would be surprising if the Falcons left his contract untouched.

Clark Phillips III

Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Clark Phillips III has struggled to carve out a consistent role on the Falcons’ defense, despite cornerback being a weak spot. He appeared in just one game last season, logging a few special teams snaps against the Commanders before being placed on IR with a triceps injury. With a new regime in place, the Falcons could take the $3.6 million in savings they would gain by cutting him and move on as they attempt to overhaul the secondary with fresh blood this offseason.