The Atlanta Falcons face a challenging salary cap situation heading into the 2025 NFL season, with Kirk Cousins' $40 million cap hit looming large as he transitions to a backup role. This significant financial burden limits the team's ability to acquire new talent, as they currently have just under $5 million in cap space. While franchises typically allocate a large portion of their budget to quarterbacks, having a backup earning such a substantial amount restricts maneuverability within the roster. This situation may have influenced the Falcons' decision to trade a first-round pick to draft promising quarterback James Pearce Jr.

Examining the Falcons' top 10 highest salary cap hits reveals that apart from Cousins, the remaining players are expected to have pivotal roles this season. As the franchise navigates this precarious financial landscape, it must balance retaining key talent while seeking reinforcements through smart, cost-effective moves.