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The Atlanta Falcons were the talk of the 2024 NFL draft after selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Round 1, but they are unlikely to do anything controversial in 2025 due to a lack of picks. The team has just five total selections and will pick outside of the top 10 for the first time since 2020.
For these reasons, the Falcons might be better off trading down to acquire extra draft capital. General manager Terry Fontenot mentioned trading down as a possibility at the start of the offseason and it seems like a real option as we closer to the 2025 NFL draft.
ESPN released a new feature highlighting 10 teams that could orchestrate a trade in Round 1. The Falcons were listed among the teams that could move down.
"They traded away their third- and sixth-rounders, and they forfeited their fifth-round pick for violating the league's anti-tampering policy last offseason," wrote ESPN's Field Yates. "And Atlanta is short on salary cap flexibility and could use as many cost-controlled players as possible. One thing that could help: I still believe Atlanta will at least explore trading quarterback Kirk Cousins for 2025 draft capital, even if the return was modest."
Trading away Cousins is definitely on the team's agenda, but it's hard to imagine a deal coming together before the 2025 NFL draft. Most of the potential suitors will likely be looking to draft a quarterback, which is why Aaron Rodgers is taking his sweet time deciding where to sign.
Last year, the Falcons signed Cousins before drafting Penix, which is every veteran quarterback's nightmare. It was even reported that Cousins would be open to a trade after the draft to avoid walking into a similar situation.
The team has a clear need at the edge rusher position, however, there is no obvious choice at the 15th overall pick. Moving down would allow the Falcons to get a first-round edge prospect and potentially add another Day 2 pick.
For a team low on salary cap space, adding cheap talent in the draft should be priority No. 1 for Fontenot and Co.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Will Atlanta Falcons trade down in Round 1?
Continue reading...
For these reasons, the Falcons might be better off trading down to acquire extra draft capital. General manager Terry Fontenot mentioned trading down as a possibility at the start of the offseason and it seems like a real option as we closer to the 2025 NFL draft.
ESPN released a new feature highlighting 10 teams that could orchestrate a trade in Round 1. The Falcons were listed among the teams that could move down.
"They traded away their third- and sixth-rounders, and they forfeited their fifth-round pick for violating the league's anti-tampering policy last offseason," wrote ESPN's Field Yates. "And Atlanta is short on salary cap flexibility and could use as many cost-controlled players as possible. One thing that could help: I still believe Atlanta will at least explore trading quarterback Kirk Cousins for 2025 draft capital, even if the return was modest."
Trading away Cousins is definitely on the team's agenda, but it's hard to imagine a deal coming together before the 2025 NFL draft. Most of the potential suitors will likely be looking to draft a quarterback, which is why Aaron Rodgers is taking his sweet time deciding where to sign.
Last year, the Falcons signed Cousins before drafting Penix, which is every veteran quarterback's nightmare. It was even reported that Cousins would be open to a trade after the draft to avoid walking into a similar situation.
The team has a clear need at the edge rusher position, however, there is no obvious choice at the 15th overall pick. Moving down would allow the Falcons to get a first-round edge prospect and potentially add another Day 2 pick.
For a team low on salary cap space, adding cheap talent in the draft should be priority No. 1 for Fontenot and Co.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Will Atlanta Falcons trade down in Round 1?
Continue reading...
