Jordan Schultz broke the pretty obvious news today that the Falcons have placed edge rusher Vic Beasley on the trading block.
#Falcons DE Vic Beasley, Jr. is on the trading block, per a league source. Beasley is making $12.8M this year, and will become an UFA after the season.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 18, 2019
The once All-Pro defensive end racked up 15.5 sacks during the Falcons memorable 2016 campaign in which they waltzed to the Super Bowl, but advanced analytics suggested that number was a bit of fool’s gold, and the next two years proved that was the case. Beasley only managed to record five sacks in 2017 and mimicked that number the following season. Beyond his underwhelming sack total, he also was a liability in the run game, which showed in his failed attempt at linebacker.
With all this in mind, the Falcons still picked up his fifth-year option worth $12.8 million, hoping he could tap into his potential as Dan Quinn took over as the defensive coordinator. In short, it hasn’t worked out.
Beasley only has 12 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks through six games. He’s consistently stonewalled at the point of attack, showing no interest in being physical with opponents. And after 4.5 years of underperforming, the Falcons have finally come to the realization that Beasley is part of the problem, not the solution.
Unfortunately, they might be a year too late. Around this time last season, Ian Rapoport reported that the Falcons rejected several offers for Beasley at the trade deadline. Teams were probably willing to part ways with at least a third-round pick, considering that is what Dante Fowler fetched from the Rams with a resumé that made Beasley look like the Employee of the Month. Now, after an extra year of less than stellar play, along with more money on his contract, the Falcons are going to have to settle for less.
How much less is the question. Some of you might be surprised, but there are teams out there that will be interested in a former top ten pick with the athletic attributes that Beasley posesses. Some coaches will see Beasley as the final piece to their defense. Will he bring back a 3rd round pick in return? I doubt it, but a 4th or 5th is fathomable.
According to Schultz, the Falcons also believe a change of scenery will be best for Beasley, which makes it seem like they are pretty intent on selling him to the highest bidder.
#Falcons had high expectations for Beasley when they picked up his fifth-year option, but so far he’s yet to produce. Additionally, the organization believes that a change of scenery would benefit Beasley – who is only 27 years old.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 18, 2019
We will know shortly, as the trade deadline is 11 days way – October 29th.