ATLANTA – For the first time since 2008, the Atlanta Falcons will be breaking in a new quarterback.
That’s hardly their only concern after trading Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.
While general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith shy away from the word “rebuilding,” it’s clear this team faces some very serious challenges in the short term. Namely, a staggering hit to its salary cap flexibility with some $62 million in dead money – that involving players no longer on the roster.
Fontenot and Smith both insist it will all be worth it beyond 2022.
“We’re taking in on the chin this year,” Fontenot said Wednesday. “But where that leaves us next year is significant.”