Looking ahead to the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 season, it is fair to look at the current cap situation and consider whether the team's biggest hits are worth the value they are providing. Atlanta is heading into yet another season facing the exact same questions around their quarterback and head coach positions, with the franchise not having a winning season since 2017; the level of frustration has rarely been this high for a fanbase forced to learn patience.
With this in mind, let's look at the current top cap hits and where each player stands heading into the 2026 season. Starting with an offensive stalwart who doesn't have any doubts about his current standing in Atlanta.
1. Chris Lindstrom- $26.2 Million
Lindstrom has earned his massive extension with the level of stability the guard offers on the inside. The quarterback or head coach hasn't changed the results for a right guard who has an argument as the best at his position. The ability to create running lanes or to give top tier protection is a piece of Atlanta's roster that is going underrated due to the lack of the Falcons playing in meaningful games during the lineman's tenure.
Still, there is no reasonable debate that Lindstrom is worth every penny of the cap hit for the level of stability he offers. Stability the roster badly needs along the rest of the line heading into the season if things are going to turn.
2. Jessie Bates $24.7 Million
The Falcons might have suffered a losing record while the safety has been rostered, but Bates is a winning player. It doesn't matter the score or situation; the defensive back runs to the play and attacks the football whether it is in the air or the arms of a runner. It has created so many memorable moments for Atlanta fans and offered a needed bright spot on a defense that is far from consistent.
It will be interesting to see whether or not the Falcons attempt to work out an extension with a player whose deal expires at the end of the year. Unquestionably, Bates makes this defense better and is a piece that should be kept beyond the 2026 season.
3. Kirk Cousins- $22.5 Million
Things with Cousins became so frustrating that the Falcons are literally paying the veteran signal caller to go away. Cousins appears likely to start for the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Falcons brought in Tua Tagovailoa in hopes of the former Miami starter finding redemption. No matter how Atlanta's quarterback situation plays out, it is clear that things weren't working with Cousins, and there is no reason to believe year three would be any different.
Cousins wasn't able to drive the ball and lacked the needed movement in the pocket to capably run Atlanta's offense. Even paying the current high dead cap hit, the franchise made the right decision to turn the page.
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