The Atlanta Falcons Are Trying To Overcome Financial Hurdles

Of course, the $40 million cap hit from the Falcons' fumble with Kirk Cousins' massive contract has hindered any big free agency splash that the team may have had planned. 

Atlanta released veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett before the start of the 2025 league year, incurring a $4.1 million dead cap charge for the team. Safety Justin Simmons, who signed a one-year deal with the team in 2024, is still on the books due to having two voided years on his contract.

Kirk Cousins money will nearly double the second highest paid player on the team in Jessie Bates, and Cousins may not even sniff the field unless sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. goes down with an injury, or completely flops during the seasons tough stretch through the first five weeks while playing four playoff teams from a season ago. 

Things aren't as bad financially as they were when Atlanta traded Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in consecutive off-seasons. After those moves, the team would have to wait a few years before making significant moves in the free agency market, as evidenced by the quarterback position during that stretch.