The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Falcons are expected to be in the market for a pass rusher.
“Yes,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated responded to a question that the Falcons are indeed in the trade market for a pass rusher. “They like what they’ve gotten in Matthew Judon. They’re very open to adding to what he’s brought to the table.”
Despite facing the worst offensive line in football last week in the Seahawks, the Falcons still rank dead last in the league with six sacks. Their overall pressure numbers improved against that porous Seattle offensive line, but that’s more of an indictment on them than an improvement of Atlanta’s pass rush.
There are roadblocks to getting help, though. The Falcons already invested a third-round pick in the pass rush this offseason, trading for Matthew Judon. Even though they’ve shown incapable of drafting and developing pass rushers, they could prefer to keep their current allotment of draft picks.
If they’re willing to part ways with more draft capital, there are other hurdles, like competition. The Ravens, Lions, Buccaneers, 49ers, and several other teams could be in the market for pass rushers at the NFL trade deadline. Suffice to say, there’s a vast canyon between the Falcons and a difference-making pass rusher.
With all of that being said, a lot can change over the next two weeks or so. The Falcons are expected to be in the market for a pass rusher, but they’re one injury away from shifting their trade deadline focus.
Even as the roster is currently constructed, ESPN’s Seth Walder believes the Falcons should target Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk.
“Defense might look like the logical spot for Atlanta to upgrade, but if you’re going to go on a deep run with Kirk Cousins — and presumably that was the point of bringing him in — you’re going to need to surround his side of the ball with talent, too.”
Walder isn’t wrong, but the Falcons’ offensive struggles aren’t tied to the lack of playmakers. Complementary football should be Atlanta’s focus at the deadline, but maybe Walder doesn’t respect what the Falcons have in-house.
“Kirk, who is boasting a 65 open score via ESPN’s receiver scores, would be an upgrade over Ray-Ray McCloud III in the slot for the Falcons. They would suddenly have a pretty impressive set of playmakers.”
Christian Kirk is the guy who is going to make the Falcons “suddenly have a pretty impressive set of playmakers?” That’s insane to say. Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney is a more talented group than most skill groups in this league.
The Falcons need to add a pass rusher at the trade deadline. It’s that simple. I’m not even sure wide receiver would be second on the list.
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