The Atlanta Falcons have a few more days to make a move before the NFL’s trade deadline on October 31. While there’s no guarantee the team look to make a trade, general manager Terry Fontenot has never been afraid to pull the trigger on the right deal.
Since the Falcons are currently sitting in first place in the NFC South, they are more likely to be buyers as opposed to sellers at the deadline. The team recently made a trade with the Rams to acquire Van Jefferson, so wide receiver doesn’t feel like a major need at the moment.
So, what positions should the Falcons look to upgrade as they attempt to secure the NFC South? We outlined three areas the team could target ahead of the trade deadline.
1
Edge Rusher
It’s a question that gets rinsed and repeated every season — did the Falcons do enough to address the pass rush? The team made a few moves this offseason to upgrade the defensive line, but there’s still room for improvement along the edge.
The Falcons have graded out as the 26th-best pass rush in the NFL this season. While that’s not a great spot to be in, it’s a small step in the right direction. Bud Dupree and David Onyemata are tied for the team lead with three sacks each.
Sack totals aside, though, no Falcons defender has hurried the quarterback more than ten times this season. Getting hurries and disrupting timing can prove to be just as effective as getting sacks, so this is an area Atlanta should look to improve.
Potential Targets: Carl Lawson (Jets), Danielle Hunter (Vikings), Chase Young (Commanders)
2
Quarterback
The Falcons may be atop their division at 4-3, but it’s not because of the play at quarterback. As things stand right now, there is a clear limitation to the offense with Ridder under center. The second-year QB is making progress as a passer, but he’s still not quite where the Falcons need him to be in order to contend. His lack of ball security nearly cost the team its second straight game in Week 8.
If Atlanta were to make a move here, it would have to be for a quarterback who could lead this team for a few years, like Tannehill’s move from Miami to Tennessee. While unlikely, here are a few possible names.
Potential Targets: Ryan Tannehill (Titans), Justin Fields (Bears), Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
3
Offensive line
If the Falcons wanted to move a big-money player, Jake Matthews could be one to consider as it would free up space for the coming seasons. While Matthews has been solid throughout his career, he is responsible for four sacks this season so far. That puts him on pace for a new career-high in sacks allowed.
If the Falcons could find someone with more long-term upside who would be less expensive, it would make some sense for the team. Matthews has been solid for most of his time in Atlanta but the team continues to restructure his contract. Matthews has a $21.2 million cap hit in 2023.
Potential Targets: Trent Brown (Patriots), Jedrick Wills (Browns)
