Possible cap casualties that could interest Falcons in free agency

The Falcons have a few players under contract that could soon become cap casualties.

Jonnu Smith and Taylor Heinicke would provide the most savings, but Mike Hughes and Lorenzo Carter are also considered candidates to be cut this offseason as the Falcons prepare for the NFL Combine, the new league year, free agency, and the draft.

There are other possible cap casualties that Atlanta will be keeping an eye on in anticipation of free agency.

Chargers OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa

Both pass rushers are potentially going to hit the open market this offseason. Mack is coming off a career year where he logged 17 sacks but is set to count nearly $40 million against the Chargers cap space.

Bosa played in just 14 games the past two seasons and will carry a $36.6 million cap hit. Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz are $45.1 million in the red when it comes to effective cap space, so there was to be some attrition.

For a Falcons team that has struggled to produce at the position, Mack and Bosa could be possible free agent targets.

Las Vegas Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow

Since being a 1,000-yard receiver and a Pro Bowler in 2021, Renfrow has effectively been phased out of Las Vegas’ offense. He missed time in 2022 with a concussion and only finished the 2023 campaign with 25 catches and 255 yards while playing just 35% of the snaps.

Since snagging 103 catches back in 2021, he has totaled 61 over the last two seasons combined. However, he could prove valuable for a Falcons offense that needs multiple receivers this offseason. It’d be a cheap, one-year deal and fill the void of a slot receiver.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson

It seems like the Broncos are primed to move on from Russell Wilson, but the result will be a historic $85 million dead cap hit spread over two years. Wilson and Sean Payton don’t seem to be in a happy marriage, and the Falcons could be the benefactors. Regardless of where he plays in 2024, the Broncos owe Wilson just under $40 million, putting the Falcons in a position to potentially sign him for the veteran minimum.