Almost every major contract the Falcons were carrying into 2022 was addressed in some way. Matt Ryan was dealt, Calvin Ridley is suspended, and Jake Matthews and Grady Jarrett both received extensions. That left—and still leaves—Deion Jones.
As of today, Atlanta can trade Jones and realize significant cap savings. I’ve argued that the team might bet on Jones rebounding in year two under Dean Pees, but all their moves this offseason suggested a different route. Given that the Falcons couldn’t free up space without waiting to make a trade—and given that doing so gives them $14.