Locked On Falcons - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Falcons · Locked On Podcast Network, Aaron Freeman

CAP CRUNCH: Atlanta Falcons Salary Cap LIMITS Free Agency Spending, Kyle Pitts Extension LOOMS

·23 min·2 clips

Kyle Pitts is expected to reject any deal under $20 million, aiming to become the NFL's highest-paid tight end.

This episode analyzes the Atlanta Falcons' limited salary cap space and its impact on their upcoming free agency and contract negotiations. Host Aaron Freeman, a longtime Falcons analyst, breaks down the team's financial constraints and potential roster moves. The discussion centers on the NFL's newly set $301.2 million salary cap for 2026 and the Falcons' resulting position. The Falcons currently have roughly $11.6 million in cap space, a figure that includes the $15.05 million franchise tag for tight end Kyle Pitts. Freeman notes this amount is insufficient for significant free-agent spending compared to the team's past offseasons. He references the Chicago Bears' 2022 offseason under Ian Cunningham and Ryan Poles as a potential model, marked by low-tier signings and a major trade. The host details that Atlanta spent about $27 million on new free agents in 2025 and roughly $31 million in 2024, excluding Kirk Cousins. Freeman argues Kyle Pitts is unlikely to accept a contract extension for less than $20 million annually, aiming to become the NFL's highest-paid tight end. He points to upcoming free agents Isaiah Likely and future contract expirations for players like Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta as factors strengthening Pitts' position. The host expects Pitts to play on the franchise tag this season unless another team trades for him and meets his asking price. One surprising claim is that playing on consecutive franchise tags could result in a two-year, $33 million payout for Pitts, averaging $16.5 million annually. Freeman categorizes potential cap-saving moves into "healthy" and "sicko" restructures based on a player's age and contract length. He identifies wide receiver Darnell Mooney, cornerback Clark Phillips III, and guard Kyle Hinton as the most likely cap cuts, which could save around $13-14 million. The host estimates that cutting several depth players could save over $23 million, pushing total cap space past $30 million. Restructuring the contracts of Chris Lindstrom and A.J. Terrell is presented as a "healthy" option that could save an additional $21 million. In contrast, restructuring deals for older players like tackle Jake Matthews is labeled a "sicko" move that risks future flexibility. Freeman suggests a Drake London contract extension might only save $3-8 million in 2026, not the $12 million some projections indicate. He notes the Falcons could have over $100 million in cap space next offseason, which may encourage a quiet free agency this year. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending specific financial data with straightforward team roster evaluation. Listeners interested in the Falcons' offseason strategy and NFL salary cap mechanics will find this episode valuable. Those seeking game analysis or draft prospect breakdowns might prefer to skip it.

As heard by us

A practical cap-room check that keeps the Falcons' offseason plans grounded in financial reality.

The Falcons' salary-cap situation sets the frame here, but the real point is what that structure means for Atlanta's offseason. Aaron Freeman walks through the new cap, explains why a big spending spree should not be expected, and ties Kyle Pitts' extension to the same financial…

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You want the Falcons' cap math before free agency starts.

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