A lot has been made of how much the Falcons have to spend this offseason, and for good reason. This team hasn’t really had cap space since this website was founded eight years ago. However, as much as I want them to go out and get Da’Ron Payne and Jessie Bates, the Falcons need a lot of bodies, not just a couple of stars. They have a few impending free agents they should consider retaining, and some cuts they could make. The Falcons will attempt to turn over the roster this offseason — but by how much? I’ll be doing my best to estimate how many outside free agents they may bring in. All numbers and figures are via Over the Cap.
The Falcons will go over the 53-man roster limit in the offseason and cut the roster down to size as the preseason moves along. This can balloon up to a maximum of 90 players. I’m going to be focused on a 90-man roster going into the offseason. Right now, the roster number sits at 39 players. This is a rough estimation of what Atlanta could potentially do.
Cuts
The two cut candidates I discussed were Marcus Mariota, who is almost certain to be released, and Casey Hayward, who is likely to be back.
Current Roster Size: 38
Retaining Free Agents
I already ranked the priority of free agents that should be back, and the pickings were a bit slim. I could see Atlanta also retaining Damiere Byrd, Beau Brinkley, Mike Ford, Bradley Pinion, Keith Smith, and maybe a few other guys. There’s always a chance someone like Kaleb McGary leaves in free agency, but I’m operating under the assumption the Falcons are keeping everyone they want. I’ll set the total around 18 for the sake of numbers.
Current Roster Size: 56
Free Agents
This should give the Falcons the mobility to add about 14-15 outside free agents if they wish. They could sign more high-priced guys and dip more heavily into the undrafted free agent pool, or they could do the opposite, which has been their MO when they haven’t had cap space. I’d prefer to see them do the former. There’s some star power in free agency, and the Falcons need to make one or two big splashes at least. 14 seems like a reasonable number, even if most of them are rotational guys to help build some depth.
Current Roster Size: 70
Draft & Undrafted Free Agents
As it stands, the Falcons have eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. That is very obviously subject to change. Under the Smith-Fontenot regime, the Falcons have been active with undrafted free agents. I expect that to continue, even with more breathing room under the cap. Last year, the Falcons brought in 13 undrafted free agents. I’ll give them 12 guys to make it an even 20 from the 2023 class.
Current Roster Size: 90
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Photographer: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
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