Ex-starting QB headlines potential Falcons cuts

If the Falcons play their cards right, they can get a head-start on the rest of the NFC South in building the division's next consistent winner.

Of the four teams in the division, the Falcons are the only one with cap space ($56.6M, per Spotrac). Atlanta doesn't need to make roster cuts, but it absolutely should after its dismal 2022 defensive showing and subpar passing.

Marcus Mariota, quarterback

Mariota lost the starting job to rookie Desmond Ridder after Week 13, giving the Falcons little reason to keep him around. The team would save $12M by designating Mariota as a pre-June 1 cut. Then Atlanta could look to free agency for Ridder's backup, perhaps signing Teddy Bridgewater (Miami), Jacoby Brissett (Cleveland) or Taylor Heinicke (Washington).

Casey Hayward Jr., cornerback

The Falcons have many issues on defense, especially pass rushing. Atlanta finished 2022 with only 21 sacks, one more than Chicago's last-place total. The lack of pass rush led to overexposure of the defensive backs — including Hayward Jr. 

An 11-year veteran, he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6 and was placed on injured reserve in mid-October. By cutting him before June 1, the team would save $5M.

Edge rushers Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), Jared Verse (Florida State) and Myles Murphy (Clemson) could be enticing with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. 

If Atlanta targets an edge rusher, it might be open to signing one of the top cornerbacks in free agency, perhaps Patriots free agent Jonathan Jones. He had four interceptions in 2022 and held QBs to a below-average passer rating (76.8) when targeted, per Pro Football Focus.

Cordarrelle Patterson, running back

Patterson has value as a versatile running back and talented return man, but Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti believes he could be on the chopping block. The team would save $4.3M by designating the 10-year veteran as a post-June 1 cut.

With the emergence of running back Tyler Allgeier in 2022, Patterson is more of a luxury than a necessity for the Falcons.