Updated March 8, 2026, 2:03 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2026 NFL free agency period with just $8 million available, which will severely hinder the team’s ability to sign and retain players. Unless GM Ian Cunningham finds a way to free up salary cap space before March 11, Atlanta could be in for a quiet offseason.
The Falcons have already placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, but a handful of other key free agents remain unsigned. Linebacker Kaden Elliss, running back Tyler Allgeier and edge Arnold Ebiketie are among those potentially on the way out in 2026.
While we don’t expect many of Atlanta’s free agents to return, nothing is set in stone at this point. It will likely come down to simple dollars and cents and what makes sense for the team in 2026.
Pro Football Focus attempted to project the contract terms for the top 250 NFL free agents. Let’s check out PFF’s projected contract terms for each pending Falcons free agent in 2026.
LB Kaden EllissPFF projected contract: 3 years, $36 millionExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.EDGE Arnold EbiketiePFF projected contract: 2 years, $16 millionRB Tyler AllgeierPFF projected contract: 2 years, $10 millionDT David OnyemataPFF projected contract: 1 year, $3.5 millionOL Elijah WilkinsonPFF projected contract: 1 year, $2.25 millionTE Kyle Pitts (franchise tagged)PFF projected contract: 3 years, $48 million
Obviously, these are all projections and NFL teams will value each player differently. The Falcons have little cap space at the moment, so many of the players listed above have likely played their final snaps in a Falcons uniform.
The legal tampering period of free agency starts on March 9, with the new league year kicking off two days later on March 11.
