​Yesterday we broke down how much the Atlanta Falcons are spending at each position on offense. The short version is that they’re splurging on their offensive line, where they rank fifth in spending. At quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end they’re not spending any more than average, though.Let’s see how Atlanta is investing its resources on the other side of the ball. Here’s what the Falcons are spending at each defensive position in 2026 and where it ranks compared to the rest of the NFL.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBoth Jalon Walker and James Pearce are on their rookie contracts, making this arguably the best bargain combo at the position right now. Walker’s cap hit is just north of $4.67 million, while Pearce’s is around $3.81 million. Samson Ebukam’s one-year deal has a $2.63 million cap hit, Bralen Trice is around $1.34 million, while Azeez Ojulari signed for the veteran minimum ($1.2 million).The biggest cap hit here belongs to Da’Shawn Hand, whose cap hit is just $3 million. However, the top performner for this group is Brandon Dorlus, who’s giving the Falcons a sweetheart deal on his rookie contract – coming in with a cap hit of just $1.16 million in 2026. Veteran Zach Harrison is only costing them slightly more ($1,265,556) and incoming trade acquisition Maason Smith is at just $1,523,964.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the absence of Kaden Elliss, Atlanta’s top off-ball linebacker is now Divine Deablo, who carries a cap hit of $8.92 million this year- roughly half of the team’s total at the position. Their other projected starter is Christian Harris, who will be costing the Falcons $2.66 million on his one-year deal. Rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. are a little over and a little under $1 million, respectively.The Falcons are actually paying out at cornerback, where A.J. Terrell has a team-high cap number of $13.5 million in 2026. For now, veteran Mike Hughes is at the other boundary spot, where he’ll cost Atlanta $5.46 million. Terrell’s younger brother Avieon will only cost $1.87 million in his rookie season. Starting nickelback Billy Bowman Jr. comes in at just $1.25 million.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFinally we come to safety, where Atlanta is paying for – and getting one of the NFL’s best units. Most of that amount is going to paying Jessie Bates III, who comes in with a 2026 cap number of $24.77 million. According to Over the Cap, the Falcons could save over $10 million in cap space this year by extending him. By comparison, Xavier Watts will only cost the Falcons $1.4 million in the second year of his rookie deal.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: How much are the Falcons spending at each position on defense?