Falcons: 3 cap casualties who could alter 2021 NFL draft plans
By Darral Nail
Tyeler Davison, Defensive Tackle
Tyeler Davison, a Falcon since 2019 who is coming off the first of a three-year, $12 million extension that he signed last offseason, represents another cap-lowering opportunity for Atlanta’s new decision-makers.
Davison made his way to Atlanta originally after being released by the New Orleans Saints and then-assistant general manager Fontenot, and while that may or may not factor into the new boss’ though process, he may very well arrive at the conclusion that the Falcons can find a solid-if-not-spectacular run-stuffing defensive tackle in the Davison mold for less of investment through the upcoming draft and/or the free agency market.
After averaging a tackle per game played in 2020, with 0.5 sacks and 2 tackles for loss on the season, Falcons brass will have to assess whether Davison’s on-field value to the team is in alignment with a contract that places him well within the top 20% league-wide for interior defenders, a contract that would also count $4.6 million against an already constrained salary cap for the upcoming season. Releasing Davison with a post-June 1 designation would clear up nearly $3.5 million in needed space heading into the 2021 season.