Falcons have nearly $70 million in cap space after cutting Mariota

The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota just one year after signing him to a two-year, $18.75 million contract.

Not only does the move free up Desmond Ridder to be the starter going into 2023, Mariota’s release gives the Falcons even more money to spend this offseason.

By cutting the former No. 2 overall pick, the team has added $12 million in salary cap space, bringing their current total up to $66.7 million, per Over The Cap‘s projections.

The new league year officially begins on March 15, but teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 13. Safety Jessie Bates III, defensive end Marcus Davenport and DT Javon Hargrave are a few names to watch in free agency.

Make sure to check out our list of 100 potential Falcons free-agent targets.