The NFL is straight-up cold—one day you’re that guy, the next you’re getting hit with the ‘it’s not you, it’s the cap space‘ breakup text. No matter how much a player means to a team, the front office is always gonna do what’s best for the bottom line. And the Falcons just pulled a move that proves once again that loyalty in this league is basically a myth.

One minute you’re a franchise legend, the next you’re getting hit with that ‘thank you for your service‘ text. That’s exactly what just happened to Grady Jarrett—aka one of the Falcons’ biggest defensive stars—who just got cut after nearly a decade of wrecking O-lines in Atlanta. An absolute end of an era.

So, why’d the Falcons do him like that? Simple: cash. Dropping Jarrett clears up around $16.25 million in cap space, though they’re still eating a $4.125 million dead cap hit. Before this, Atlanta was about $5.8 million over the salary cap, so yeah, some moves had to be made before the new league year kicks off on March 12. But letting go of a guy who’s been the heart and soul of the defense? Bold move.

Grady Jarrett wasn’t just another dude on the roster—he was that guy. He was a fifth-round pick who grinded his way to two Pro Bowls, became a team captain, and even got nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Off the field, he was a leader. On the field, he was a straight-up menace. But the NFL doesn’t do loyalty like that anymore, and with the Falcons looking ahead, they decided it was time to part ways.

Let’s talk numbers. Jarrett’s career stats are fire 496 tackles, 77 tackles for loss, and 36.5 sacks in 152 games. But here’s the thing: his production has dipped, with only four sacks in the last two seasons. The ACL tear he suffered in 2023 definitely didn’t help. He missed the rest of that season and came back in 2024, playing all 17 games, but it was clear he wasn’t quite at his peak anymore.

So far, Atlanta hasn’t dropped any other big names, but considering their cap situation, it wouldn’t be surprising if more moves are on the way. They have made a couple of small plays, though—like extending long snapper Liam McCullough for four more years (not exactly breaking news, but hey, special teams matter). They also gave offensive guard Jovaughn Gwyn a reserve/future contract, meaning he’s got a shot to stick around in 2025.

Now, let’s be real—Grady Jarrett isn’t staying unemployed for long. Teams looking for a veteran DT are absolutely going to slide into his metaphorical DMs. Sure, his numbers weren’t crazy last season, but he’s still got the experience, leadership, and skill set that a lot of squads could use. His name is about to be all over free agency talks.

For the Falcons, though, this one hurts. Losing Jarrett leaves a massive hole in the defense, and filling it won’t be easy. But that’s the NFL for you—one day you’re a franchise cornerstone, and the next you’re packing up your locker. Now, Atlanta’s got some big decisions to make. Buckle up, Falcons fans. It’s about to get interesting.

Kirk Cousins wants out, but the Falcons are low-key ghosting him

Kirk Cousins is so done with Atlanta. The dude straight-up hit up Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Wednesday like, ‘Yo, I need out,’ making it clear he wants to start somewhere in 2025. But the Falcons? They hit him with the classic ‘we’ll do what’s best for the team’ line—which basically means they’re stalling.

And honestly, can you blame them? Atlanta already hit the ‘new era’ button, handing the QB1 job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. The kid took over the last three games of the season and did just enough to convince the front office to roll with him in 2025. GM Terry Fontenot even made it official at the NFL Combine—Penix is the guy now. That leaves Cousins on the bench, holding a contract that’s basically a financial headache.

Speaking of that contract… it’s brutal. Cousins is owed a $10M roster bonus on March 17 plus a $27.5M base salary. The Falcons were reportedly ready to cut him, but now? They’re dragging their feet, probably hoping to finesse a trade instead of taking a straight-up L.

At 36, Cousins isn’t totally cooked, but last season? Yikes. Injuries messed him up—shoulder, elbow, ankle, the whole package. If some team out there thinks he’s still got juice and can stomach that wild contract, maybe he gets a fresh start.

The real tea? Who’s actually desperate enough to take him? The Falcons would love to unload that deal, but let’s be real—no one’s tryna pay that much for a QB coming off a midseason. If no trade happens, it’s about to get hella awkward in Atlanta.