There are a few major decisions looming this offseason for the Falcons. Kirk Cousins’ future is the most attention-getting, but it might not be the most difficult. Drew Dalman’s free agency could present a challenging proposition for Terry Fontenot.
The former fourth-round pick is hitting the market at the perfect time. There’s a shortage of free agent centers; he’s head and shoulders the best option available. That could spell bad news for the Falcons.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Dalman “has a chance to receive top-three money among centers, surpassing Lloyd Cushenberry III’s four-year, $50 million deal with the Titans in 2024.” Fowler mentioned the Patriots and Bears as possible suitors, but the 49ers, Packers, and others could also be in the market for a center.
Cushenberry is the third-highest-paid player at his position by average annual value, so that would be quite the leap for Dalman. I projected a contract of four years worth $48 million with $20 million in guarantees, but that might not be enough to keep him.
Dalman might not be an All-Pro center. He leaves something to be desired in pass protection; however, supply and demand will dictate his value, and there could be a scenario in which he prices himself out of Atlanta.
The Falcons are already up against the salary cap, and the defense needs arguably all of the resources this offseason. Continuity along the offensive line is an underrated aspect of successful units, and keeping Dalman in Atlanta would mean the same offensive line returning for a third consecutive season. That’s ideal.
However, at a certain point, the Falcons must make concessions on the offensive side of the ball to invest in the defense. Terry Fontenot would love to keep Drew Dalman, but there’s a distinct possibility that he prices himself out of Atlanta.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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