The Atlanta Falcons were better than expected in 2022, but that was a low bar to clear. But with their finances right, some solid young pieces, and a top-10 draft pick, there’s reason to believe the Falcons could take another leap in 2023. We break down the Falcons’ free agents, cut candidates, and team needs ahead of the 2023 offseason.
Atlanta Falcons Offseason Preview: Reason for Optimism
Year 2 of the Arthur Smith-Terry Fontenot Era was a success before a single game was played. They found a team, the Colts, willing to take Matt Ryan’s contract off their hands.
It was a stroke of genius. Ryan’s play fell off a cliff this year, and yet, the Falcons still had an outside chance of making the playoffs as of mid-December.
Now comes the hard part. Atlanta needs to figure out the quarterback position. Desmond Ridder didn’t exactly light the world ablaze after replacing Marcus Mariota.
But with a little maneuvering, they should be in a position to land one of three top prospects — Bryce Young, Will Levis, or C.J. Stroud.
The Falcons had plenty of issues beyond QB, however. They were a running team that couldn’t run the ball efficiently, and their pass rush was totally toothless.
Still, the Falcons play in a division that should be theirs for the taking in 2023. The Buccaneers and Saints need a reset, and the Panthers have all kinds of questions of their own.
Falcons’ 2023 Salary Cap Space
According to Spotrac, the Falcons, as of early January, had $68.9 million in 2023 salary cap space, second most in the NFL. That figure includes $13.1 million in dead cap and $7.3 million in rollover space. It is based on an estimated $225 million NFL salary cap in 2023.
The exact cap figure will not be known until the NFL announces it in early March.
Falcons Free Agents 2023
The following Falcons players are set to hit free agency. Restricted free agents are noted with the abbreviation RFA and exclusive rights free agents by ERFA.
- DE Abdullah Anderson (RFA)
- LS Beau Brinkley
- WR Damiere Byrd
- OLB Lorenzo Carter
- DE Matt Dickerson
- OT Chuma Edoga
- LB Rashaan Evans
- CB Rashad Fenton
- TE Anthony Firkser
- CB Michael Ford
- G Colby Gossett
- S Erik Harris
- WR KhaDarel Hodge
- OT Germain Ifedi
- DT Jaleel Johnson
- ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
- LS Liam McCullough (ERFA)
- OT Kaleb McGary
- CB Isaiah Oliver
- P Bradley Pinion
- TE MyCole Pruitt
- FB Keith Smith
- DT Vincent Taylor
- G Elijah Wilkinson
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Offensive Tackle Kaleb McGary
Spotrac’s calculated market value: Four years, $71 million ($17.7 million AAV)
Overview: If Spotrac’s valuations are remotely accurate, McGary — the former first-round pick out of Washington — is in line to become one of the highest-paid right tackles in NFL history (assuming he isn’t tagged). The Falcons were competitive in 2022 because they could run the football, but McGary was solid in pass protection as well.
Linebacker Rashaan Evans
Spotrac’s calculated market value: Two years, $9.1 million ($4.5 million AAV)
Overview: After four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Evans signed a one-year, bet-on-himself contract with a familiar face in Arthur Smith. The value has been excellent for the Falcons, who got an every-week starter and one of the surest tacklers in the league.
Potential Cut Candidates
- QB Marcus Mariota ($12 million in savings)
- CB Casey Hayward ($5 million)
Falcons’ Team Needs Heading into 2023 Offseason
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- EDGE
- Cornerback
- Offensive Guard