As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a critical juncture. Coming off a rollercoaster of a season, the team is poised for a fresh start, brimming with potential yet in need of strategic additions to their roster. The Falcons' front office, led by General Manager Terry Fontenot, has made significant strides in recent years. However, to truly cement their status as playoff contenders, they must make bold moves in the trade market. With the right acquisitions, the Falcons can address key weaknesses and build a well-rounded team capable of making a deep postseason run. Three players, in particular, stand out as ideal trade targets: Khalil Mack, Budda Baker, and Rashod Bateman. These stars could provide the missing pieces the Falcons need to transform their aspirations into reality.
The Falcons So Far
The Falcons have struggled over the past six years. They have missed the postseason since 2017 and failed to win more than seven games in any season. The post-Matt Ryan era has seen a revolving door of quarterbacks. This has rendered the Falcons largely irrelevant in the NFC South.
However, the tide may be turning after signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal this offseason. Despite recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins immediately boosts the Falcons' relevance. He gives them one of the NFC's top quarterbacks.
With Zac Robinson leading the offense, Cousins is set up for success. The offense should feature a play-action-heavy scheme similar to what Cousins thrived in while in Minnesota. He'll also benefit from playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and having numerous playmakers around him. The selection of Michael Penix Jr at No. 8 is puzzling but shouldn't impact the team immediately.
By landing Cousins, the Falcons have become instant contenders in the NFC. A playoff appearance seems likely, and a deep run is not out of the question. Cousins brings the credibility and stability the Falcons have lacked in recent seasons.
Here we'll look at the three players whom the Atlanta Falcons can consider their best target targets to round out the 2024 roster.
Khalil Mack, LB
The Falcons are in dire need of an established pass rusher to complement Grady Jarrett. Enter Khalil Mack, who notched 18 sacks last season. He fits the bill perfectly. Despite the Los Angeles Chargers' poor performance last year, Mack remained a standout player and still has plenty left in the tank at 33. Acquiring a player of Mack's caliber would immediately elevate the Falcons to NFC contenders. This is especially true if Cousins plays at his usual high level.
Although elite players like Mack are rarely available via trade, several factors suggest the Chargers might be open to moving him. Mack has just one year left on his contract and doesn't align with the Chargers' rebuilding timeline. The primary challenge would be Mack's substantial cap hit. It exceeds the Falcons' current cap space. The Chargers might need to cover a significant portion of Mack's salary, and an extension could be necessary to make the cap work.
Sure, trading for Mack would be complex and likely require at least a second-round pick. However, it's a move worth considering. Many teams passed on trading for Mack earlier this year, waiting to see if he would be released. This indicates a potential opportunity for the Falcons.
Budda Baker, S
The Falcons have a standout safety in Jessie Bates but need a competent partner for him. Budda Baker, a consistent performer for the Arizona Cardinals with three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances, could be the solution. Entering the final year of his contract, Baker has previously expressed a desire to be traded.
Yes, Baker's cap hit is a concern just like Mack's. Still, his skill set would significantly upgrade the Falcons' secondary. Despite a slight dip in performance last season, Baker's 64.8 PFF grade was still respectable. Due to his expiring contract and the tepid market for safeties, acquiring Baker might only cost a day-two pick. The Cardinals might demand more if they need to cover part of his salary, but Baker would be a worthwhile investment.
Rashod Bateman, WR
Despite acquiring Rondale Moore and signing Darnell Mooney, the Falcons' receiving corps remains thin. Neither Moore nor Mooney has surpassed 500 yards in the last two seasons. In addition, Mooney's ability to replicate his 1,000-yard 2021 season is uncertain. Moore, meanwhile, has yet to prove himself beyond being a gadget player.
This is where Rashod Bateman comes in. He has shown promise but struggled with consistency in his first three NFL seasons. Nevertheless, he could be a valuable addition. After a solid rookie season with 515 receiving yards, Bateman hasn't surpassed 400 yards in the past two years. However, rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins noted Bateman's impressive performance in OTAs. This suggests untapped potential.
Bateman's reasonable salary (about $5 million annually over the next three seasons) makes him an attractive trade target. The Falcons could package Bateman with a draft pick to secure a more established receiver, enhancing their offensive depth.
Looking Ahead
In summary, targeting Khalil Mack, Budda Baker, and Rashod Bateman in trades would address key areas of need for the Falcons. They could bolster the team's pass rush, secondary, and receiving corps. These strategic acquisitions could transform Atlanta into a formidable contender in the NFC, setting the stage for a successful 2024 season.
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