The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching as teams have until 4:00 p.m. ET on November 1 to finalize a deal. The Atlanta Falcons (3-4) are tied for the top spot in the NFC South and have the fourth-most available cap space in the league ($9.7 million).
With the division wide open and the playoffs within reach, it would make sense for the Falcons to make a move. Here are three players the team should consider trading for at the deadline.
1
EDGE: Bradley Chubb - Broncos
Denver’s Bradley Chubb is one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and could provide an immediate upgrade for the Falcons along the edge. Chubb has six sacks this season, which is tied for the fourth-most in the league. He also ranks 17th in total QB pressures. Falcons rookie Arnold Ebiketie currently leads the team in pressures but ranks 41st in the NFL overall. Lorenzo Carter ranks 53rd with 12 total pressures.
Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett has played well this season and acquiring Chubb would make the team a bit more dynamic on that side of the ball. However, Chubb has $12 million guaranteed on his contract for 2022. Since Atlanta has just under $10 million to spend, there would need to be a player involved to make the numbers work. Needing to clear $3 million, the only plausible option would be to include Kaleb McGary, who is also in the last year of his deal. McGary has been solid this season, though, and trading him now would just create another hole along the offensive line.
2
WR: Nelson Agholor - Patriots
Agholor hasn’t had the career many foresaw when the Eagles selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. Still, he’s a productive player at a position of need for Atlanta. Algholor is averaging 16 yards per catch this season for the Patriots, and he could be beneficial as a deep threat in a Falcons offense that’s struggling to throw the football. On the contrary, you could argue that the quarterback position is what’s holding back the offense. The need for Agholor is mainly due to the lack of production from Bryan Edwards.
Agholor, who has a $14 million cap hit for New England, would only count for $5 million against the Falcons’ cap if a trade were to materialize. That’s not much money for a veteran who has proven to be a quality second or third option.
3
Center: Garrett Bradbury - Vikings
Drew Dalman has not lived up to expectations since winning the starting center job out of training camp. While it’s true the offensive line has improved overall, the team could certainly use an upgrade in the middle. Bradbury is in the last year of his contract, so his $2.25 million salary is very little to spend on an upgrade at a key position. The Vikings lineman isn’t a great pass blocker, but he’s a good run blocker who is gradually improving in pass protection.
Bradbury would help the team immediately without handicapping Atlanta down the road. The Falcons would still have plenty of cap space next season to potentially make a move, while giving Bradbury an audition for a long-term contract.
