The Falcons are preparing for their first preseason game in Miami this Friday. Soon the regular season will be here, and it’s been one of the most highly anticipated campaigns in some time.
There are some position battles that need to be worked out, but there could still be a trade on the horizon. In fact, I’d expect the Falcons have already been shopping Taylor Heinicke on the trade market.
When Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix, the writing was on the wall. The veteran backup is expendable, and the Falcons would be foolish not to recoup a Day 3 draft pick for their efforts.
Seth Walder of ESPN concocted 5 preseason trades, two of which included the Falcons, one being Taylor Heinicke to the Lions.
Lions get QB insurance with Heinicke
Lions receive: QB Taylor Heinicke
Falcons receive: 2025 seventh-round pick
It’s obvious that the Falcons don’t need Heinicke, but that isn’t the case for the Lions. Detroit is relying upon third-round pick Hendon Hooker as their backup, and he missed all of his rookie season last year recovering from a torn ACL. While Hooker may have more upside, Heinicke is certainly the better option to start in a pinch.
Next, Walder has the Falcons acquiring some pass rush help in the form of Baron Browning in a deal with the Broncos.
Falcons pick up Browning for pass-rush help
Falcons receive: Edge Baron Browning, 2025 sixth-round pick
Broncos receive: 2025 fourth-round pick
The 2021 third-round pick has logged 9.5 sacks in two seasons at outside linebacker after spending his first off of the ball. He’s got one year left on his rookie contract and could potentially have some untapped potential.
Though the Falcons have a clearly weak pass rush, the edge unit is crowded. Lorenzo Carter, James Smith-Williams, Arnold Ebiketie, Bralen Trice, and DeAngelo Malone aren’t a group that should allow Atlanta to turn their nose up at any pass rush help, but the weakest unit is in the secondary.
The Falcons would be better off acquiring a starting-caliber cornerback than anything, especially if it costs a fourth-round pick.
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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