The Atlanta Falcons say they are not in salary cap hell, but the situation is far from ideal for a team trying to get back to contention in 2020.
According to Over The Cap, the Falcons have roughly $5.3 million in cap space. This has led many to speculate that running back Devonta Freeman, who has a $9.5 million cap hit with $3 million guaranteed next year, could be cut this offseason.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Atlanta is at least seriously considering Freeman’s release:
From NFL Now: The #Falcons may move on from RB Devonta Freeman, who they nearly dealt at the trade deadline and whose move would save them some cap space. pic.twitter.com/XW3ozJbskh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2020
If Atlanta does move on from its former star running back, the team would save around $3 million towards the cap. While that isn’t a ton of money, the Falcons may need every penny to get out of their two-year postseason drought.
Freeman rushed for 656 yards on 3.6 yards per carry with 410 receiving yards in 2019. He lacked the explosion fans have grown accustomed to but played much better down the stretch.
It’s all speculation right now, though, and most NFL teams are examining different options to free up cap space for the offseason.
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