The Atlanta Falcons have roughly $4.3 million in salary cap space, which may force them to let some talented players walk out the door this offseason.
According to Falcons reporter William McFadden, the team plans to let tight end Austin Hooper, De’Vondre Campbell and guard Wes Schweitzer test free agency:
The #Falcons plan to let Austin Hooper, De’Vondre Campbell and Wes Schweitzer hit free agency. Will continue to pursue negotiations with all three players.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) February 25, 2020
While Atlanta still hopes to sign all three, it’s more likely that Hooper and Campbell will get bigger contracts elsewhere. Both were selected in the middle rounds of the 2016 draft and developed into key players for the Falcons.
Hooper finished the year with 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns. Campbell was the team’s leading tackler last season, racking up 129 total tackles, with two sacks and three forced fumbles.
Schweitzer has been a valuable backup interior lineman, especially with the Falcons’ offensive line getting decimated by injuries in 2019.
Regarding defensive end Takk McKinley, McFadden is reporting that the team has yet to reach a decision regarding his fifth-year option:
Thomas Dimitroff says the #Falcons have not yet reached a decision on Takk Mckinley’s fifth-year option.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) February 25, 2020
The Falcons’ top-heavy roster is finally catching up with them, and they will have to find some contributors in the upcoming draft where the team holds two second round picks.
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