The Atlanta Falcons cleared some cap space Thursday with the release of veteran running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson had one year left on his contract. By cutting him, the Falcons saved $3.75 million in cap room.

As of Thursday afternoon, before the announcement of Jackson's release, the Falcons stood $23,163,843 under what is projected to be a $143 million cap, according to ESPN Stats and Information. That number included the combined $1,442,500 cap figures for two players who signed extensions this week: Defensive lineman Cliff Matthews ($745,000 cap number) and fullback Patrick DiMarco ($697,500).

Factoring in Jackson's release and Friday's release of receiver Harry Douglas and guard Justin Blalock -- moves that saved another $7.29 million against the cap -- that would take the number to $34,203,843, which is a good amount of room for a team in dire need of an impact pass-rushers, a solid receiver or even pass-catching tight end, not to mention help at linebacker, defensive backs and perhaps even running back.

Then you have to subtract kicker Matt Bryant's 2015 cap number of $2,483,333 after he signed a three-year, $8.5 million contract extension. That would put the cap space at $31,720,510.

Lastly, the Falcons waived defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi late Friday, a move which provided a cap savings of $660,000. That would bump the current cap-space number to $32,380,510.

Blalock had the third-highest cap figure going into the 2015 with Jackson seventh and Douglas' was ninth. Now, the Top 10 are the following:

1. Matt Ryan -- $19,500,000

2. Julio Jones -- $10,176,000

3. Sam Baker -- $7,300,000

4. Roddy White -- $5,540,625

5. William Moore -- $5,525,000

6. Paul Soliai -- $4,400,000

7. Jon Asamoah -- $4,300,000

8. Joe Hawley -- $4,000,000

9. Tyson Jackson -- $3,850,000

10. Jake Matthews -- $3,733,977