With the NFL trade deadline approaching rapidly, names are flying around the Atlanta Falcons.
Za’Darius Smith is a popular target among fans. The veteran is under contract for the 2025 season and would immediately become the defense’s best pass rusher. Harold Landry is another, but he is less of a one-on-one pass rusher. The Titans edge defender is younger than Smith and is under contract through the 2026 campaign.
A reunion with Calais Campbell could also be in the cards, and the stout 37-year-old would be a great addition not only to the Falcon’s pass rush but also to their run defense. Azeez Ojulari is another intriguing pass rusher on an expiring deal. The Georgia product coming home is among Falcons fans’ favorite scenarios.
How about a new name, though? Mike Jones of The Athletic recently connected the Falcons to former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
“The 31-year-old Clowney’s skills are being wasted in Carolina, where the Panthers rank among the worst in the league on defense. A year after tying a career high with 9 1/2 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens, Clowney has only one sack for Carolina.”
Clowney would be a tremendous boost to the Falcons defensive front. Not only would he improve the pass rush, but the Carolina product would also be a welcomed addition to the run defense, which has been equally egregious as the pass rush. He’s also under contract for next season, so the Falcons could theoretically get a jump on the offseason, too.
The biggest obstacle is the Panthers’ reluctance to trade a potentially impactful edge rusher within the division. Carolina might not have a choice, though. According to Jones, “Clowney is believed to prefer an exit.”
If Clowney wants out and the Falcons offer the highest draft pick, it would be hard to say no. Although, NFL owners have done far pettier things, and David Tepper doesn’t seem like the one to help the Falcons even if it benefits his club.
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