The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the NFL’s most pleasant surprises over the first seven weeks, as they are 4-3 and sit in first place in the NFC South.
While being atop the NFC South is not exactly a major accomplishment given the level of competition within the division, it seems relatively safe to say that it’s still more than most expected from the Falcons going into 2023.
In spite of Atlanta’s early success, it is abundantly clear that its roster needs some work, and it has between now and the Oct. 31 trade deadline to make some deals.
Here are three trade targets the Falcons must consider before the end of the month.
Chase Young, Washington Commanders
I would have put Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns here, but I’m not so sure the Panthers would want to trade Burns within the division.
Chase Young may be the next best option.
The Commanders are reportedly shopping Young, who is slated to hit free agency this offseason. Washington is just 3-4 on the year and is coming off of a rough Week 7 loss to the New York Giants, so it may be looking to sell off some pieces as it continues to slide after its 2-0 start.
The Falcons would represent a perfect suitor for Young, as the club is in desperate need of a pass rusher. Atlanta has totaled just 13 sacks through seven games, and its current sack leader is David Onyemata, who has logged just 2.5 sacks thus far.
Young has already posted five sacks this year and would instantly become the Falcons’ best pass rusher.
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
The Falcons have a couple of terrific tight ends in Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith, but beyond second-year wide receiver Drake London, its receiving corps are a bit thin.
Enter Jerry Jeudy, a young wide out who could be on the move.
The Broncos are just 2-5 and have been shopping Jeudy, who has been somewhat of a disappointment since being drafted in the first round back in 2020.
That doesn’t mean Jeudy hasn’t been productive. He approached 1,000 yards with a 972-yard campaign in 2022, and he is still just 24 years old and would have a chance to grow with this young Atlanta squad.
Jeudy would also likely come relatively cheap. It’s hard to imagine him costing any more than a third-round draft pick, and the Falcons may even be able to snag him for less than that.
Desmond Ridder could certainly use some more weapons in the aerial attack, and Jeudy would provide that for him.
Michael Onwenu, New England Patriots
The left side of Atlanta’s line has point a point of weakness this season, particularly at left guard with Matthew Bergeron struggling.
Not that Michael Onwenu is elite by any stretch of the imagination, but he has at least proven he can effectively play guard on the NFL level while Bergeron is still accustomed to playing tackle.
Onwenu is versatile and can shift all over the offensive line. He can slot in at left guard, play the right side and also fill in at tackle.
He is also only 25 years old, so he could potentially become a fixture along the Falcons’ offensive line if they swing a deal for him now.
Onwenu would be a cost-effective solution for Atlanta at the deadline.
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