The Atlanta Falcons have not been active purchasers in the trade market, with the exception of a wild fantasy flirtation with an undisclosed quarterback in the 2022 offseason. Taking into account the team’s previous years’ large roster voids and cap shortage, it makes sense.
As of 2023, the Falcons lead the NFC South and are a shockingly strong team. Atlanta boasts an outstanding group of offensive playmakers, a top-10 defense, and one of the strongest offensive lines in the league. Assuming that quarterback Desmond Ridder can maintain his current level of development, EDGE represents the only significant roster gap.
The Falcons have a ton of cap space, are competitive, and will have a ton of draft picks available until 2024. Terry Fontenot needs to step up and take a major step to support our squad in 2023 and beyond.
The good news is that there are choices: according to Jonathan Jones of CBS, the Washington Commanders want to trade either Chase Young or Montez Sweat in the coming days.
League sources predict that the Commanders will cut bait with Chase Young or Montez Sweat by Tuesday, particularly if the Eagles defeat the Washington Redskins on Sunday, dropping the team to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in the division. After waiting to see how it would perform in these important NFC East games, Washington received more calls this past week regarding the players.Along with Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter, two pass rushers who might be available are Young and Sweat. Along with Josh Allen of Jacksonville, Rashan Gary of Green Bay, and Burns, they are all edge rushers who will be unrestricted free agents in the spring with a reasonable franchise tag amount approaching.
This is a sensible step for Washington. It is improbable that both EDGEs will agree to contract extensions. It also appears likely that throughout this offseason, the team purges. In any case, it would be unexpected to sign two players at the same position in the same summer.
In 2019 (Sweat went 26th after the Falcons took Chris Lindstrom at 14) and 2020 (Chase Young, who was thought to be a trade-up target, went 2nd overall with the Falcons picking A.J. Terrell at 16), fans may recall these players as popular mock draft selections for the Falcons.
Young has a greater injury history and is the more well-known person. Young had a 7.5 sack debut season and has since battled to stay healthy and productive. From a sack output standpoint, though, 2023 appears to be his greatest season yet as he has scored five in just six games.
With 34.5 career sacks and 5.5 in 7 games this year, Sweat appears to be the superior player thus far. He has improved in terms of effectiveness, consistency, and health. With Young most certainly playing out his rookie contract, the Falcons would probably want to extend Sweat in addition to the trade.
