How much cap space do the Falcons have after a week of 2017 NFL free agency?

At this point, with Dontari Poe as a mere possibility and the team still needing to spackle over a couple of roster holes, you may be wondering how much cap space the team has left.

Per the NFL Player’s Association, the Falcons had about $17.7-$18 million in available cap space on March 13th, depending on when you asked and who was reporting the figure. Since then, the Falcons have made two signings, bringing back safety/linebacker/special teamer Kemal Ishmael and adding wide receiver/returner Andre Roberts. So where’s the team’s cap picture now?

• Andre Roberts: 1 year, $1.8 million cap hit
• Kemal Ishmael: 1 year, $2.5 million (unknown exact cap hit)

If we assume both those contracts hit the books at their face value, the Falcons just tied up $4.3 million in two players. That means they’re between $13.4-$13.7 million at the moment, which is enough to sign their draft class and a handful of free agents, depending on cost. Dontari Poe, if he does elect to sign, would likely cost the Falcons about half that space right out of the gate, especially on a one year deal.

This highlights why the Falcons are wise to be prudent with their money—insert argument about the prudence of giving Roberts $1.8 million and Levine Toilolo an average of $4 million here—and how little wiggle room they’ll have if they do sign Poe. It’s worth noting that they’ll achieve some more relief after June 1, which will help if they want to land someone like Dwight Freeney deep into the summer.