As the NFL offseason approaches , the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a pivotal moment for team restructuring. With new leadership under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the franchise is evaluating its roster and contemplating trades to improve its future prospects. Identifying key trade assets is crucial for the Falcons as they aim to capitalize on their current position and lay the groundwork for sustained success.
One of the most notable trade candidates is safety Jessie Bates III. Coming off an All-Pro season, Bates offers significant value to teams in need of secondary help. At 28 years old and entering the final year of his contract, the Falcons could maximize his trade value while avoiding a costly extension. His skills and leadership make him an attractive option for contenders looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
Another potential asset is wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who signed a three-year deal in 2024. Although he showed promise during his first season with Atlanta, his production dipped significantly due to injuries. With the Falcons now needing to explore their receiving options, trading Mooney could free up cap space while providing the team with draft capital to address their depth issues.
Defensive end Zach Harrison also figures prominently in the trade conversation. The former third-round pick has shown flashes of promise but struggles with consistency and performance. Given the depth the Falcons have at the position, moving on from Harrison could be an option as they look to revamp their defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
Atlanta may dangle three players as trade assets this offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alex Ballentine for Bleacher Report.
Jessie Bates and Darnell Mooney are veteran players who have produced for the Falcons. However, they both could be trade candidates with Kevin Stefanski taking over the team.
The fact that the Falcons retained defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich bodes well for Bates, but he’s coming off an All-Pro season with just one year on his contract. That means the 28-year-old could be demanding a larger extension than the Falcons want to give.
Trading him now might be maximizing his value for the franchise before he enters his 30’s.
Darnell Mooney is a lot more likely trade candidate with Stefanski coming in. He caught 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns in his first season with Atlanta, but was a major disappointment with roughly half the production and just one touchdown.
If there’s a team willing to give up a draft pick, the Falcons might want to listen.
Zach Harrison is a little different kind of trade chip. The 24-year-old plays a premium position with just three years of experience and mileage before a knee injury ended his season with the Falcons.
With Jalon Walker putting together a solid rookie season and Bralen Trice potentially getting to play next season after missing the first two seasons of his career, Harrison could become expendable.
The importance of these trade decisions cannot be overstated as the Falcons work to improve their roster. The right moves could reshape the team’s identity and set them up for a competitive future.
As the Falcons enter a transformative offseason, the focus on trading key assets like Jessie Bates, Darnell Mooney, and Zach Harrison will be critical. These decisions will ultimately determine how effectively the team can navigate the challenges ahead while striving for success in their new direction.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!