The Atlanta Falcons have money to burn. The team was smart with their money this offseason and in return have a good chunk of change they can opt to spend or save. With question marks surrounding several players currently on the roster, the Falcons might be waiting to save that money for a rainy day. However, there are some quality options still on the market that could peak the team's interest heading into training camp.
According to Sportrac.com, the Falcons have around $14 to $16 million in salary cap space to spend. With training camp approaching, a portion of that money will be used for Julio Jones. ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure reported that a contract for Jones could be coming prior to the receiver reporting for camp. The Falcons have traditionally gotten contract signings done the day before training camp begins in order to eliminate distractions. With Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas having inked their long-term deals which set the market, the Falcons have the money to give Jones a deal he wants.
After the Jones contract, where can that money be spent for the Falcons? The biggest name still available is Evan Mathis who remains unsigned after getting released from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Pro-Bowl offensive lineman is likely looking for a nice multi-year contract which will be hard to come by at this point in the offseason, but the Falcons have the means and the need to get him. With players like Joe Hawley, Jake Matthews and Lamar Holmes coming off a injuries and Chris Chester not being a home run hit, Mathis would be a huge upgrade to the offensive line. Atlanta could easily offer a two-year deal and not be hit too hard by it.
The other option for Atlanta is Jermaine Gresham who is reportedly healthy and waiting for a team to call. Since the departure of Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons have yet to find a consistent threat at the tight end position. The Falcons will enter 2015 with Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo as their top two tight ends. The early returns on Tamme have been positive as many believe he could be a strong starter for the Falcons, but Toilolo has left a lot to be desired in his two years with the team. According to AZCentral.com, Gresham is getting a strong look from the Cardinals, but no deal has been put in place. The Falcons could make a move.
TheFalcoholic.com makes the suggestion that the Falcons save the money and let it roll over into next year. They will likely sign one or two players, plus give Jones a contract extension. Whether those players are Gresham or Mathis remain to be seen, but the case can be made for either player to sign on.