Raheem Morris talks possibilities of Falcons trade deadline

The talk of the week around Flowery Branch isn’t about the Falcons’ Week 7 contest against the Seahawks; it’s about the NFL trade deadline a few weeks away.

Falcons fans are letting their imagination run wild with the idea of a trade for a pass rusher. Maxx Crosby is a popular name but is unlikely. Mark Davis has already come out and shot down any idea that the Raiders would entertain a trade of their star player.

However, Crosby recently came out for the first time ever and didn’t slam the door shut on life beyond the Raiders.

“I’m not here to rebuild, I’m here to win,” Crosby said. “So, you know, I don’t know. Whatever that means, but yeah I’m here to win now. And wherever I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be here to win. So that’s all that matters to me.”

Even though it might not be Crosby, the club has to find a way to improve the pass rush, and Raheem Morris is confident in Terry Fontenot’s staff turning over every single stone in an attempt to improve the roster ahead of the Falcons trade deadline.

“Terry (Fontenot) is constantly looking to improve. Devouring rosters. He and his staff are obsessed with making the team better. Nothing would shock me.” Coach Raheem Morris On potentially adding a pass-rusher #riseup

— DukesandBell929 (@DukesandBell929) October 16, 2024

The NFL trade deadline is on November 5th, so a lot can change before then. Right now, the Falcons need a pass rusher with a pulse opposite of Matthew Judon, but that’s not to say it’ll be the only one.

Injuries happen, and if it happens to a key piece of Atlanta’s team, Terry Fontenot will have no choice but to try to address it. For instance, if, god forbid, someone like Darnell Mooney or Mike Hughes goes down with a serious injury, the Falcons may have to shift their focus toward a pass catcher or cornerback instead of a pass rusher.

The point I’m making is finding a pass rusher isn’t going to be easy. It doesn’t mean the Falcons can’t figure out a way to improve their pass rush, but it’s important to acknowledge that needs can change, and the state of the market generally dictates outcomes.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire