The Atlanta Falcons have officially entered a rebuild after moving on from Julio Jones and Matt Ryan. Now, the franchise can focus on acquiring young and exciting talent to become a playoff contender in the future. However, the front office could take advantage this summer and reel in some solid players to build around. For that reason, we look at three potential trade targets for the Falcons to round out their 2022 roster.
Considering Atlanta will likely have great draft capital for the 2023 NFL Draft, the front office is likely to bring in a plethora of offensive weapons during that time. Keeping that in mind, it would be a brilliant decision to acquire legitimate talent to bulk up the defense for the future. The Falcons should be looking at trading for players entering their prime and in the final year of their contracts.
It'll be difficult to accomplish and it's more likely Atlanta adds more players through free agency. Even so, the Falcons have a real chance to upgrade the interior defensive line and the secondary. If the front office can acquire at least one of these players, their defense will have an impactful player to build around alongside AJ Terrell.
With that said, here are three trade targets for the Falcons to complete their roster for the 2022 season.
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Falcons Trade Targets To Complete 2022 Roster
3. Jerry Tillery
Trading for Jerry Tillery might be difficult considering he plays a vital role for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, with the amount of talent LA has brought in this offseason, there is a chance the front office won't be able to bring him back. The Falcons could swoop in and make a big trade for Tillery so Los Angeles can gain something back rather than letting him walk.
Of course, this is speculation, as the Chargers could be willing to pay Jerry Tillery as well. Even so, the Falcons should take a shot and call up Los Angeles immediately. He finished the 2021 season with 51 total tackles (six for a loss) and 4.5 sacks. Tillery can be a solid run-stopping defensive tackle to help Atlanta improve their rush defense for years to come.
2. Daron Payne
Another option for the Falcons is Daron Payne. The Washington Commanders defensive tackle has been a bit more productive than Jerry Tillery throughout his career so far. He capped off the 2021 season with 61 total tackles (six for a loss), 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. With Washington being in purgatory, the front office may opt to let Payne walk in free agency. However, this creates an ideal scenario for Atlanta to trade for him.
Daron Payne would immediately improve the defensive line for the Falcons. He'd be a great compliment to the rest of the front seven. Additionally, his presence would help the defense control the trenches. If the Commanders decide to move on from Payne, then Atlanta should come calling right away.
1. Johnathan Abram
Rather than focusing on the defensive line, the Falcons may look to improve the secondary. With AJ Terrell being one of the best young cornerbacks in the league, finding a legitimate safety makes a ton of sense. For that reason, Atlanta should have Johnathan Abram in their sights. He proved to be reliable in 2021 after ending the season with 116 total tackles (five for a loss), four pass deflections, and two forced turnovers.
Trading for Abram will be incredibly difficult considering he was a focal point of the Las Vegas Raiders defense last year. However, with a new head coach leading the way, the new regime may opt to let him walk in free agency. If that's the case, the Falcons should call up Vegas and see if they can trade for the stud safety this offseason. If the front office can do that, then the secondary could become the strongest asset to this defense.
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