3 Falcons Veterans Who Could Be Cap Casualty Cuts This Offseason

Devonta Freeman might not be back in Atlanta in 2020.
Devonta Freeman might not be back in Atlanta in 2020. / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Atlanta Falcons are undeniably talented, but the prevailing feeling around the league is that this team has underachieved in recent years. Unfortunately, they don't have much room to get better, as they're in the second-worst cap space situation in the league.

That could mean some big-name veterans are cut this offseason, as the cap-strapped team could be forced into some tough decisions. Here are three players who might be on the chopping block.

1. Devonta Freeman, Running Back

Devonta Freeman runs off the field.
Devonta Freeman runs off the field. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Perhaps a trade is the likelier outcome for Devonta Freeman, but it could be tough to find a suitor willing to stomach his contract. The running back still has about three years and $27 million remaining on his deal, and he did not have a successful return from injury in 2019. There have been some rumblings about Atlanta potentially moving on, and if a trade doesn't materialize, the team could elect to release Freeman.

2. Allen Bailey, Defensive Line

Allen Bailey could be a cap casualty this offseason.
Allen Bailey could be a cap casualty this offseason. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Allen Bailey spent last season in Atlanta after an eight-year stint in Kansas City. He played in 15 games, making five starts, and he racked up only 26 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks. If released, the Falcons would only incur a penalty of $1.5 million in dead cap, and that could clear up some much-needed space.

3. Ty Sambrailo, Offensive Line

Ty Sambrailo isn't a surefire bet to be back with the team next season.
Ty Sambrailo isn't a surefire bet to be back with the team next season. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Ty Sambrailo was a below-average starter for the team last season. He still has two years and just under $11 million remaining on his deal, and only about $3 million in dead cap over the next two seasons if released. Given that offensive line has been a problem in recent years, and that Sambrailo hasn't exactly been a part of the solution, his time in Atlanta could be coming to a close.


Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.


Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.