{"id":778694,"date":"2026-02-27T00:03:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T00:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/778694\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T00:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T00:03:20","slug":"salary-cap-numbers-ahead-of-nfl-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/778694\/","title":{"rendered":"Salary cap numbers ahead of NFL free agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Feb. 26, 2026, 11:50 a.m. ET<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Falcons<\/a> are doing everything possible to prepare for NFL free agency so they can hit the ground running when the new league year begins on March 11. Even though it’s NFL combine week, the Falcons have made some key roster decisions over the last few days.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, the team placed the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, which means the former No. 4 overall draft pick will be under Atlanta’s control for one more season. Pitts is projected to earn somewhere around $15.2 million on the franchise tag in 2026.<\/p>\n

The Falcons also reportedly informed wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge that he has been released, although it hasn’t been officially announced. Hodge spent the last four seasons in Atlanta, making a Pro Bowl for his special teams contributions in 2024.<\/p>\n

According to Over The Cap, releasing Hodge will free up $2.64 million for the Falcons while incurring a dead money total of $625,000. So, how much cap space does the team have entering NFL free agency?<\/p>\n

Falcons’ current salary cap space: $13.9 million<\/p>\n

Since the Falcons currently have around $11.3 million, cutting Hodge would bring that total up to around $13.9 million ahead of free agency. Some around the league expect the team to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney, which would free up another $7.4 million.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

We’ll have to wait and see how the next week unfolds as the team counts down the hours until free agency.<\/p>\n

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