We are a week away from the start of free agency. As the tampering period begins on Monday, teams around the league have been making roster moves to set themselves up for free agency. This includes cuts, restructures, and extensions. The Atlanta Falcons are $5 million over the salary cap as things stand now and have to make tough decisions on some key players.
The Falcons not only need to get cheaper, but they also have to get younger. With veteran starters like Lorenzo Carter, Eddie Goldman, Mike Hughes, Matthew Judon, and Justin Simmons hitting free agency, the Falcons have to say goodbye to a few of these names.
Yet, it's not just their free agents that the Falcons need to part ways with. A few of their overpaid veterans are also in danger of being cut ahead of free agency. The Athletic's Josh Kendall identified two veterans he expects to leave this offseason because of financial concerns. According to the Falcons insider, David Onyemata and Eddie Goldman are projected to be elsewhere for the 2025 season.
"It’s hard to imagine the Falcons would cut Jarrett (don’t forget Blank is a huge fan, too). Releasing Onyemata (which would result in approximately $8 million of salary-cap space) and letting Goldman leave in free agency is probably the path Atlanta will take."Josh Kendall, The Athletic
Some fans expect long-time Falcon Grady Garrett to be a cap casualty. Atlanta could potentially save up to $16.2 million by cutting him. However, Kendall points out that the team will be understandably hesitant to part ways with a fan favorite who meant so much to the franchise.
That is why parting ways with Onyemata and Goldman may be more palatable for GM Terry Fontenot. Onyemata is entering the final season of his three-year, $35 million contract he signed with Atlanta in the 2023 offseason. Releasing him would save them $8 million in 2025 cap space.
While Onyemata will be missed after his departure, few Falcons fans will be sad to see Goldman leave. After returning from retirement, Goldman struggled to make an impact. He was especially poor down the stretch, receiving a 49.3 PFF grade for the season. Trying to find a younger, cheaper option through the draft makes more sense for the Falcons' defensive line.