The Atlanta Falcons are sitting in a strange spot. After starting out hot they sit now at 3-4, not quite contenders, not entirely out of it. With just a 12.4% chance to make the playoffs, the front office finds itself walking that fine line between buying and selling as the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches. And according to multiple reports, they could be one of the more active teams when the market heats up.
According to ESPN, Atlanta has drawn trade interest in pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie. The former second-round pick has shown flashes as a consistent edge threat, and with his rookie contract still being team-friendly, several playoff teams are calling the team inquiring.
Then there’s the Kirk Cousins question, the biggest one hanging over this team. The veteran quarterback lost his starting job last season and reportedly to be traded ahead of the November 4th trade deadline. So far, Atlanta has held onto the veteran, but that could change quickly if the right situation presents itself.
The problem? The market. With limited quarterback openings and Cousins carrying a guaranteed $27.5 million cap hit (plus $10 million next season), finding a landing spot isn’t simple. He also holds a no-trade clause, meaning any potential deal would have to meet his approval.
However things can change very quickly in the NFL, where quarterback play is constantly in flux, as it only takes one injury or one desperate contender to reopen the door for a Cousins trade late in the season. The Falcons could also add a few key pieces if they decide the season still has life left in it.
Linebacker is one area of immediate concern after Divine Deablo landed on injured reserve. Depth behind the starters has been thin, and the defense could use a tone-setter in the middle to help as the defense was ranked number one going into their by week has shown chinks in the armor.
The front office has quietly explored options, and there’s belief that Atlanta might try to plug the hole before the deadline.
The offensive line also needs serious attention specifically at tackle. Elijah Wilkinson, who was signed to provide guard depth, has been stretched thin as a starter. His 82.3% pass-block win rate ranks 65th among 70 qualifying tackles, per ESPN.
For a team still trying to protect a young quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. that’s simply not going to cut it.
Expect the Falcons to monitor the market for an experienced tackle who can bring stability to a group that’s struggled to keep pressure off the edge.
There’s also the wide receiver situation, where the Falcons could quietly make a move. Kansas City Chiefs wideout Tyquan Thornton has reportedly drawn Atlanta’s attention. The speedy receiver showed flashes early in the year before slipping down the Chiefs’ depth chart.
Atlanta lives in three-receiver sets adding him to par with Drake London and Darnell Mooney could give the offense a vertical element that’s been missing.
All told, the Falcons are a team stuck in transition. Their 2025 season hasn’t unraveled, but it hasn’t inspired much confidence either. Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have tough choices to make.
Atlanta is one of the teams worth keeping a close eye on as the deadline nears. With pieces like Cousins, Ebiketie, and potential holes to fill, there’s no shortage of storylines flying through the trade rumor mill. And in a season that’s already full of twists, don’t be surprised if the Falcons are right in the middle of one more.
