Running the Atlanta Falcons Offseason in GM Mode

I took control of the Atlanta Falcons in GM Mode with the goal of improving cap flexibility while reshaping the roster through trades, targeted free agency, and a focused draft.

The result was a balanced offseason that added veterans, opened future cap space, and brought in new developmental talent.

The Big Picture

• Starting Cap Space: $9.0M
• Final Cap Space: $17.6M
• Players Cut: 2
• Contracts Restructured: 5
• Extensions: 1
• Trades Made: 4
• Free Agents Signed: 8
• Draft Picks: 5
• Overall Grade: B

The Falcons improved their financial flexibility while retooling several areas of the roster.

Cuts

Two players were released to free up cap space.

• Clark Phillips III (+$3.7M)
• KhaDarel Hodge (+$2.7M)

These moves helped create additional flexibility heading into free agency.

Restructures (5)

• Jake Matthews (+$8.4M)
• Chris Lindstrom (+$8.4M)
• A.J. Terrell (+$7.8M)
• Kaleb McGary (+$5.4M)
• Mike Hughes (+$1.2M)

These restructures helped maintain the Falcons’ core while creating additional cap room.

Extension

DJ Turner II
Cap Impact: +$2.9M

Turner was extended to secure a young piece of the secondary long term.

Trades

Four trades reshaped the roster and added draft capital.

Sent 2026 Pick #79 to Cincinnati
Received: DJ Turner II

Sent Kirk Cousins to the New York Jets
Received: 2026 Pick #175

Sent 2026 Pick #196 to Tennessee
Received: Will Levis

Sent Michael Penix Jr. to Pittsburgh
Received: 2026 Pick #121

These moves reshaped the quarterback room while adding additional draft assets.

Free Agency Additions

Eight players were added in free agency.

John Franklin-Myers (IDL) – 1 year / $12.1M APY
A strong veteran presence added to the defensive line.

Nakobe Dean (LB) – 1 year / $11.0M APY
An athletic linebacker addition for the middle of the defense.

Joe Flacco (QB) – 1 year / $9.4M APY
Veteran quarterback brought in to stabilize the offense.

Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) – 1 year / $7.6M APY
Short-term pass rush help.

Shelby Harris (IDL) – 1 year / $4.1M APY
Additional defensive line depth.

Rashid Shaheed (WR) – 1 year / $2.2M APY
Speed added to the receiving corps.

Elijah Wilkinson (IOL) – 1 year / $2.8M APY (Re-signing)
Offensive line depth retained.

Tyler Allgeier (RB) – 1 year / $3.0M APY (Re-signing)
A familiar power runner kept in the backfield rotation.

Draft Class

Atlanta brought in five draft selections focused on defensive depth and offensive development.

Round 2 – Pick 48
Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)

Round 4 – Pick 114
Tyreak Sapp (DL, Florida)

Round 4 – Pick 121
Drew Allar (QB, Penn State)

Round 5 – Pick 175
Markel Bell (OT, Miami)

Round 7 – Pick 232
Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)

Final Take

This Falcons offseason focused on balancing the roster while maintaining financial flexibility. Strategic restructures, veteran additions, and a focused draft class helped reshape the team.

With $17.6M remaining in cap space and multiple contributors added, Atlanta positioned itself for steady improvement.

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