As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Atlanta Falcons are at a pivotal moment. After a tumultuous previous season, the team is ready for a fresh beginning, full of promise but requiring strategic roster enhancements. Under the leadership of General Manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons’ front office has made notable progress in recent years. However, to establish themselves as genuine playoff contenders, they need to make bold trade moves. With the right acquisitions, the Falcons can address key weaknesses and build a balanced team capable of a deep postseason run. Three players, in particular, are ideal trade targets: Khalil Mack, Budda Baker, and Rashod Bateman. These players could provide the crucial elements needed for the Falcons to turn their aspirations into reality.
The Falcons So Far
The Atlanta Falcons have faced significant challenges over the past six years, missing the playoffs since 2017 and failing to secure more than seven wins in any season. The departure of Matt Ryan has led to a constant change in quarterbacks, making the Falcons largely irrelevant in the NFC South.
However, the situation seems to be improving after signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal this offseason. Despite recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins immediately elevates the Falcons’ profile by providing them with one of the NFC’s top quarterbacks.
With Zac Robinson at the helm of the offense, Cousins is poised for success. The offense is expected to utilize a play-action-heavy scheme similar to the one Cousins excelled in while with Minnesota. He will also benefit from playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and having numerous playmakers at his disposal. Although the selection of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 is puzzling, it shouldn’t have an immediate impact on the team.
Securing Cousins has turned the Falcons into instant contenders in the NFC, making a playoff appearance likely and a deep run a distinct possibility. Cousins brings the credibility and stability the Falcons have been missing in recent seasons.
Here, we’ll explore the three players the Atlanta Falcons should consider as prime targets to complete their 2024 roster.
Khalil Mack, LB
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The Falcons are in dire need of an established pass rusher to complement Grady Jarrett. Khalil Mack, who recorded 18 sacks last season, fits the bill perfectly. Despite the Los Angeles Chargers’ struggles last year, Mack remained a standout player and still has plenty left in the tank at 33. Acquiring a player of Mack’s caliber would immediately elevate the Falcons to NFC contenders, especially if Cousins plays at his usual high level.
Although elite players like Mack are rarely available via trade, several factors suggest the Chargers might be open to moving him. Mack has just one year left on his contract and doesn’t align with the Chargers’ rebuilding timeline. The primary challenge would be his substantial cap hit, which exceeds the Falcons’ current cap space. The Chargers might need to cover a significant portion of Mack’s salary, and an extension could be necessary to make the cap work.
Trading for Mack would be complex and likely require at least a second-round pick. However, it’s a move worth considering. Many teams passed on trading for Mack earlier this year, waiting to see if he would be released, indicating a potential opportunity for the Falcons.
Budda Baker, S
The Falcons have a standout safety in Jessie Bates but need a competent partner for him. Budda Baker, a consistent performer for the Arizona Cardinals with three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances, could be the solution. Entering the final year of his contract, Baker has previously expressed a desire to be traded.
While Baker’s cap hit is a concern, similar to Mack’s, his skill set would significantly upgrade the Falcons’ secondary. Despite a slight dip in performance last season, Baker’s 64.8 PFF grade was still respectable. Due to his expiring contract and the tepid market for safeties, acquiring Baker might only cost a day-two pick. The Cardinals might demand more if they need to cover part of his salary, but Baker would be a worthwhile investment for the Falcons.
Rashod Bateman, WR
Despite acquiring Rondale Moore and signing Darnell Mooney, the Falcons’ receiving corps remains thin. Neither Moore nor Mooney has surpassed 500 yards in the last two seasons, and Mooney’s ability to replicate his 1,000-yard 2021 season is uncertain. Meanwhile, Moore has yet to prove himself beyond being a gadget player.
This is where Rashod Bateman comes in. The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver has shown promise but struggled with consistency in his first three NFL seasons. After a solid rookie season with 515 receiving yards, Bateman hasn’t surpassed 400 yards in the past two years. However, rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins noted Bateman’s impressive performance in OTAs, suggesting untapped potential.
Bateman’s reasonable salary, around $5 million annually over the next three seasons, makes him an attractive trade target. The Falcons could package Bateman with a draft pick to secure a more established receiver, enhancing their offensive depth and providing Kirk Cousins with a more reliable target.
Looking Ahead
In summary, targeting Khalil Mack, Budda Baker, and Rashod Bateman in trades would address key areas of need for the Falcons. Mack could bolster the team’s pass rush, Baker would strengthen the secondary, and Bateman would enhance the receiving corps. These strategic acquisitions could transform Atlanta into a formidable contender in the NFC, setting the stage for a successful 2024 season.
