After finally emerging from beneath the mountain of dead cap left by the previous regime, the Falcons awarded several lucrative contracts this offseason.
The team not only rewarded its own with new contracts, but they also went out and participated in free agency with no financial constraints.
Chris Lindstrom, who signed a record-breaking contract, received the largest of the deals. Following an All-Pro season, the former first-round pick signed the richest deal in NFL history for a guard — five years and $105 million. It broke several records, including AAV, guarantees, and total money.
It was quickly surpassed in some ways when the Cowboys extended Zack Martin’s contract by $36 million over two years. Martin was set to make about $7 million less than Nelson and Lindstrom prior to the new deal after signing a seven-year, $93.41 million contract in 2018.
HeThe Falcons also gave Jessie Bates, the free agent class’s crown jewel, a $64 million contract. is paid $36 million over the first two seasons and $28 million over the last two. Though no safety will outperform Bates’ contract this offseason, it is being used as a benchmark for free agents.
Leave a Reply