The NFL trade deadline is two weeks away, and we aren’t really sure who the Atlanta Falcons are just yet. Atlanta has maintained they are in an “evaluation year”, so perhaps they won’t look to make any moves before the deadline. The Falcons also aren’t “tanking”, so I don’t see them selling the entire roster for picks in a year in which their record is still just 2-3. However, I believe it would be wise to acquire some picks in exchange for guys who may not be in the Falcons long-term plans. If Atlanta can’t beat the Dolphins or Panthers over the next two weeks, they’re going to have to seriously consider moving some of these guys.
TE Hayden Hurst
Hurst is the most obvious candidate, as he hasn’t lived up to expectations and had his fifth-year option declined by the Falcons. He hasn’t been a key part of the offense, and with Lee Smith and Kyle Pitts playing so well, perhaps the Falcons look to find a cheaper option to replace Hurst while adding an additional draft pick. There were some ideas floated around on Twitter that the Cardinals were a logical landing spot for Hurst, but they added former All-Pro Zach Ertz from the Eagles over the weekend. The Bills also make some sense. The deadline for Hurst’s potential new team to exercise his fifth year option has passed, which works against Atlanta if they wanted to move him. The best the Falcons could hope for in return is a day three pick, and it may even be conditional.
WR Calvin Ridley
Before you get all tore up — no, I don’t think Ridley is unhappy, and I don’t think the Falcons want to trade him. However, IF he is unhappy, this is a possibility. Ridley already had his fifth-year option picked up, so he won’t be due for a big extension until after this season. I think it’s much more likely the Falcons extend Ridley, even if he has had a bit of a down 2021 season. No reason to panic, but it is a possibility.
EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
There are always EDGE needy teams on the trade market, and Dante Fowler Jr.’s resurgence could allow the Falcons to cash in on what was once a pretty bad contract. Fowler has looked much better this season, and maybe a team like the Chiefs would be willing to part with a pick or player to help their defense.
LB Foyesade Oluokun
Foye is a dark horse to be moved, but with him being due for a new contract, I certainly think it’s on the table. The Falcons have Mykal Walker waiting in the wings, but Oluokun is one of the better players on this defense. The former fifth-round pick could bring back a lot of value from a team that badly needs help at linebacker.
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Thanks for reading about Atlanta Falcons that could be traded at the trade deadline. If you liked this article, make sure to check out Jake’s recent piece on who The Draft Network has the Falcons taking in the first round of next year’s draft.
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