The Atlanta Falcons lead the NFC South after seven weeks, which could prompt general manager Terry Fontenot to make a move in order to secure the team’s first playoff appearance since 2017.
According to Over The Cap’s projections, the Falcons have nearly $7 million in available cap space as the 2023 NFL trade deadline approaches. Teams officially have until October 31 to make a move.
With some help from our NFL Wire Network editors, we’ve identified nine players who the Falcons could target at the deadline.
1
WR Jerry Jeudy - Denver Broncos
The Falcons traded for Van Jefferson, but Jeudy would be a quality No. 2 option for years to come. Atlanta needs speed on the outside and Jeudy has it.
Jeudy has never quite lived up to his first-round hype, but he’s still a talented wide receiver and an impressive route runner. Jeudy’s production has been limited by injuries, poor quarterback play and his own shortcomings, but he’s still just 24 years old with massive potential to make a big impact in the right scheme. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
2
LB Malcolm Rodriguez - Detroit Lions
The Falcons don’t have a ton of depth at linebacker with Troy Andersen on the injured reserve list. Nate Landman is playing extremely well, but the team could use another body. Rodriguez still has good upside and could potentially be available.
The fan-favorite has lost his spot in the defensive rotation, playing only special teams in the last two weeks. “Rodrigo” doesn’t have much of a path to earn his defensive spot back beyond injuries to the players above him, either. The Lions have experienced depth with Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Anthony Pittman on the roster, too. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
3
OLB Preston Smith - Green Bay Packers
The Falcons have improved up front this season, but they still haven’t gotten much production out of their edge rushers. Smith is a quality veteran who could help Atlanta clinch the NFC South.
Smith is a veteran at a premium position who is currently blocking playing time for first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. Would the Packers entertain selling on Smith now to get Van Ness on the field more as a first-year player? Smith hasn’t been disruptive to start 2023 but could be a nice depth piece at edge rusher for a contender. Maybe a team could see 2022 All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon as the jolt they need on special teams. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire
4
RB D’Ernest Johnson - Jacksonville Jaguars
The Falcons don’t have much depth at running back for a team that runs the ball as they do. If Bijan Robinson has more headache issues, the team would benefit from a veteran back like Johnson.
While the team has four backs on its 53-man roster, Travis Etienne Jr. has been on the field for about 80 percent of the offensive snaps. Jacksonville wants to be mindful of Etienne’s workload, but it’s third-round rookie Tank Bigsby who will probably see his role progressively expand. That makes Johnson, a veteran running back with a career average of 5.2 yards per carry, the likeliest to be moved in a trade. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire
5
DE Emmanuel Ogbah - Miami Dolphins
Ogbah likely wouldn’t cost very much and he’s another veteran that the Falcons could rotate along the edge. The team has had good luck with veteran defensive lineman thus far in 2023.
Ogbah still has three years left of his four-year $65.4 million contract that he signed last offseason, and they’re not in the best position cap-wise in 2024. A trade could free up a bunch of cap space next season for Miami, and they’d probably be looking for a mid-round pick in exchange. A move at the deadline isn’t necessarily likely, but it’s not impossible. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire
6
WR Marquise Brown - Arizona Cardinals
Brown is another receiver who could provide some speed to a Falcons offense that doesn’t have a ton of balance. Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson are nice players but Brown’s a potential difference-maker who would perfectly complement Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Brown doesn’t have great numbers so far this season, entering Week 7 with 29 catches for 334 yards and two scores. However, he should have huge numbers. He is beating opposing coverage consistently and getting behind the defense. Josh Dobbs, with one exception, just has not been able to get him the ball accurately. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
7
DE Carl Lawson - New York Jets
While Lawson has underachieved this season, he could be a great rotational piece for the Falcons down the stretch of the season for the right price. He’s not as flashy as some of the other options on the list, but Lawson is worth a look.
Carl Lawson’s role has diminished this season following an offseason in which Lawson took a pay cut. Not what you’d expect following a seven-sack season. But then Lawson was battling injury during training camp and was inactive for Week 1 – he was also inactive in Week 5. Jermaine Johnson long overtook him in the pecking order and now Bryce Huff has shown he should be ahead of Lawson as well. The Jets will also keep developing first-round pick Will McDonald. – Billy Riccette, Jets Wire
8
DL Denico Autry - Tennessee Titans
What better way to celebrate Arthur Smith’s return to Tennessee than by adding another Titans player to the roster? Autry is the kind of impact player who could put Atlanta’s defense over the top.
Autry was an absolute steal for the Titans after they signed him in free agency during the 2021 offseason. He tallied 17 sacks in 29 games over his first two years with the team, and he’s still playing at a high level with four sacks in six games in 2023. The veteran defensive end would be a great addition to a team in need of an impact pass-rusher who is also good against the run. – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire
9
EDGE Chase Young - Washington Commanders
For a potential long-term answer along the edge, the Falcons could make a bold move and trade for Commanders EDGE Chase Young. Washington has two pass-rushers who could be on the move at the deadline.
Young is off to a nice start this season. He’s three years younger than [Montez] Sweat and possesses the higher upside. The Commanders are in a tough position. They can franchise one. If things continue at the current pace, that will be Young. Washington could agree to an extension with Sweat, and then franchise Young. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
