The Atlanta Falcons have approximately $23.6 million of cap space entering NFL free agency, which begins on March 13.
Even with that relative cushion, the Falcons are in no position to spend lavishly at certain playmaking spots, namely running back.
Which brings us to the plight of Tevin Coleman: In a perfect world, Atlanta would love to keep Coleman as the No. 2 back and top-notch insurance for Devonta Freeman, who missed 14 games to a knee injury last year.
However, with Ito Smith showing flashes as a rookie and Freeman carrying the NFL's eighth-largest cap hit for 2019 ($6.75 million), among running backs, it would be hard to justify re-signing Coleman (two-year average: 1,001 total yards, 8.5 TDs) for anything less than a team-friendly (read: bargain-basement) price.
The Falcons essentially conceded such a notion on Friday, according to an ESPN report, predicting Coleman (unrestricted free agency) would be attractive to other teams.
"Tevin's going to do well, wherever he is," said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the Scouting Combine, before adding: "Whether he is with us or whether he goes somewhere else."
The Falcons' offseason priority list, outside of Coleman's contract pursuit, likely involves re-signing defensive lineman Grady Jarrett (in the neighborhood of $16 million per year), fortifying the offensive line through free agency/draft and then carving out cap space for Julio Jones' extension during the summer months.
TEVIN COLEMAN'S BEST FREE AGENCY BETS
1. Buccaneers
2. Raiders
3. Jets
4. Dolphins
5. Redskins
