When the NFL announced the larger-than-expected salary cap increase for the 2025 season on Wednesday, few teams benefitted more than the Atlanta Falcons. With one of the worst salary cap situations in the league, the Falcons could use any help that they can get. The increase of $22.1 to $26.1 million that brings the salary cap to $277.5 to $281.5 million next season will certainly help.
While the Falcons have bigger offseason questions regarding their pending free agents and the Kirk Cousins saga, they also need to upgrade the roster in various spots. Their need for pass rush and wide receiver has understandably received a ton of attention. One area that has gone under the radar but needs reinforcements is the secondary.
Mike Hughes and Dee Alford are both free agents. The Falcons will almost certainly want to keep Hughes around but Alford's decline makes his situation a little more certain.
Alford was consistently burnt in coverage in 2024 and received a career-low 55.9 overall defensive grade and a 52.1 tackling grade on PFF. He has worn out his welcome with the fanbase and should be one of the players the Falcons should let walk in free agency.
I have seen every replay of this interception, and I still don’t understand how Jourdan Lewis came down with this ball.
— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) December 23, 2024
He has been one of the Cowboys’ bright spots this season. pic.twitter.com/caD0CiL5DV
In his stead, the Falcons could target another veteran nickel. Jourdan Lewis, who spent the last eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, would not only be an upgrade over Alford but would also likely be cheaper.
Lewis just had his best season in the last five years, receiving a 71.7 grade on PFF. He also had a career-best 79.0 coverage grade.
The Falcons can likely sign Lewis to a short-term deal that wouldn't break the bank. It is not a long-term solution at the slot but for a cash-strapped team like the Falcons, he is as good of an option as any.