Falcons have $16M in cap space after reworking Matt Ryan’s deal

The Atlanta Falcons free up over $23 million in salary cap space in the last week alone, but it didn’t happen the way most had anticipated.

First, wide receiver Calvin Ridley got suspended for one year by the NFL for betting on games, pushing back his $11.1 million cap hit to 2023. Then, the team restructured quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract on Friday and freed up another $12 million for 2022. Ryan is now set to earn $36.6 million this season, and his 2023 cap hit has risen to $46.6 million.

While the team was hoping to avoid restructuring Ryan’s deal this year, the new league year is just days away. Atlanta could still look to extend Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who’s set to earn $23.8 million this season.

Let’s take a look at each player’s 2022 cap hit.