EAGLES INFLUX: Bryce Johnston Joins Atlanta Falcons Front Office | Will Bijan GET PAID Early?

This episode of Locked On Falcons dives into the recent hiring of Bryce Johnston, a former Eagles executive, as the Falcons' new senior vice president of football administration, and explores how his Eagles-influenced cap management philosophy could shape the team's future. Host Aaron Freeman argues that the Falcons should consider paying rookie running back Bijan Robinson early—not primarily to save money, but to gain crucial salary cap flexibility. He contrasts the Eagles' successful model of extending stars after their third season with the Falcons' past struggles under Terry Fontenot, who prioritized high-risk, high-reward moves over sustainable long-term planning. Freeman emphasizes that the real value of early extensions lies in creating options down the road, especially as Robinson approaches the 'age 28 cliff' in NFL running back careers. He also debunks the myth that early payoffs save massive amounts of money, noting that the difference in a running back's contract is often just a few million over three years—equivalent to a few average player deals. Ultimately, the episode champions Ian Cunningham’s process-oriented, draft-heavy strategy as the path to sustainable success, positioning early extensions as tools for flexibility rather than cost savings.