Despite selecting the first wide receiver off the board in last month’s draft, the Falcons aren’t sitting on their hands. Terry Fontenot was thrown a curveball earlier this offseason when the league handed down a year-long suspension to Calvin Ridley, and he’s done everything he can to replace his production. Atlanta made Drake London the highest-drafted wideout in this cycle, and they’re adding to the pass-catching unit.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of Vegas Nation, the Raiders are trading Bryan Edwards and a seventh-rounder to the Falcons in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
The #Falcons send a 2023 5th-round pick to the #Raiders for Bryan Edwards and a 2023 7th-round pick. https://t.co/ktyIN8W3yg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 13, 2022
The Raiders made a blockbuster trade to acquire Davante Adams earlier this offseason, making Edwards expendable. The former third-round pick only recorded 11 receptions for 193 yards and one touchdown during his rookie season but had a much improved second year. Edwards totaled 34 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns last season.
He’s been underutilized in Las Vegas and will now look to break out in Atlanta, which is in desperate need of pass catchers. Taking a flyer on him makes sense for the Falcons. Edwards stands 6’3” and weighs 212 pounds, so it’s no coincidence Arthur Smith is interested. Terry Fontenot is assembling a basketball team for his head coach.
Edwards is currently in the third year of his four-year, $4.7 million rookie contract, so it’s a very affordable deal for Atlanta. Edwards is also familiar with Marcus Mariota, who is the assumed starter this season, as the two spent time in Vegas together. He’s got decent speed and the ability to threaten defenses after the catch — Smith clearly has a type.
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