The NFL landscape has been abuzz following six-time All-Pro Myles Garrett’s public trade request from the Cleveland Browns. As teams assess what it would take to acquire the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, several potential suitors have emerged, including the Atlanta Falcons. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, along with their NFL staff, explored ten teams that could realistically pursue Garrett, with Atlanta’s scenario painted by Josh Kendall highlighting a plausible trade proposal.
For the Browns, the suggested return for Garrett would be a 2025 first-round pick (15th overall) and a 2026 first-round pick. This move is characterized as risky for the Falcons, who have long struggled with pass rushing, finishing 31st in sacks this season and last in the league over the past five and ten years. While acquiring an elite edge rusher like Garrett could enhance their defense significantly, the Falcons are mindful of not overcommitting, as their roster still needs depth in various areas.
On a more optimistic note, Atlanta’s offensive prospects shine with a core that includes young talents like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Tyler Allgeier. This youthful offensive talent, paired with new quarterback Michael Penix, lays a solid foundation for future growth. However, integrating Garrett into the defense, while beneficial, won’t instantly transform the Falcons into Super Bowl contenders. The unit’s challenges, especially in pass rushing, highlight the need for further improvements beyond just one player.
Despite these hurdles, Atlanta maintains one of the highest potentials for roster restructuring, with over $146 million available to manipulate contracts. This gives the Falcons a viable avenue to strengthen their defensive capabilities, whether through trading for Garrett or pursuing other defensive talent. Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot’s track record shows his willingness to take bold actions, which could lead to further depth improvements, setting the stage for a more competitive team in the seasons to come.
In summary, although Myles Garrett’s trade request has stirred the NFL, and the path to acquiring him for the Falcons holds risks, the opportunity to evolve their defense into a more formidable force remains on the table. With the right moves, including potential trades and restructuring, there is still hope for the Falcons to reshape their roster to contend more seriously in the future.