The Atlanta Falcons have hit the reset button at the top of their shooting, personnel both coach Dan Quinn and basic supervisor Thomas Dimitroff after an 0-5 start to the 2020 season. Now all eyes are on the players. Team president Rich McKay stated this week the Falcons wont “predetermine the lineup” for the next coach and GM by offering off as much skill as possible, however he also acknowledged Atlanta would listen to trade deals ahead of the Nov. 3 in-season deadline.
Which players could– or should– be available if/when teams call? Here are four sensible candidates to be shopped now that the Falcons are full-on rebuilding, with even franchise quarterback Matt Ryan staring at an uncertain future:
Mack isnt a Julio Jones-level star, however hes still a big name whos been as excellent as advertised in Atlanta, logging three Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro honors because coming over from Cleveland in 2016. Fast approaching age 35, however, with a 2021 totally free firm bid right around the corner, hes one of the most sensible veterinarians who might be auctioned off. His resilience is an included reward, as Mack hasnt missed a video game for 5 years and counting. Sacrificing his steadiness as the anchor of the O-line for a single draft pick might not feel great in the minute, but how much longer would they keep him anyway? Hennessy is a feasible candidate to take control of here too.
Carpenter is simply over a year removed from inking a four-year offer to be Atlantas starting left guard, however theres nothing that shows hes an essential over the next half-decade. Minimal to 11 games in 2019, hes currently looking his likely successor in the face with center/guard Matt Hennessy showing up as a third-rounder this year. The Falcons can knock more than $12M off their books starting in 2021 by sending him elsewhere, and while teams most likely wont be lining up to pay a premium for a guy who hasnt finished a season since 2017, you can also do a lot worse trying to include interior experience at the due date.
Possible payment: 2021 mid- to late-round draft pickPotential landing spots: Dolphins, 49ers, Raiders
Jones will permanently be a Falcons legend, and this isnt to state hes entirely washed as a No. 1 WR, but is he actually going to be around and/or elite when Atlanta is ready to contend again? Julio will turn 32 after the season, hes owed $61.5 million over the next three years (an average of $20.5 M per year, more than any WR except DeAndre Hopkins), and more importantly, hes been either banged up or just so-so in 2020, on track to see his numbers decline for a 2nd straight year. If groups come calling (and they must), the Falcons would be smart to listen, specifically with Calvin Ridley firmly developing himself as a longer-term star.
Potential settlement: 2021 first-round draft choice + 2022 mid- to late-round pickPotential landing areas: 49ers, Packers, Patriots, Raiders
Possible compensation: 2021 mid- to late-round draft pickPotential landing spots: Cowboys, Chargers, 49ers
Allen has silently been among the steadiest pieces of Atlantas secondary for some time, never ever logging a single Pro Bowl nod however thrice recording multiple interceptions and four times eclipsing 50 tackles at the back end of the defense. He turns 29 in December, nevertheless, and is owed $8.375 M in 2021, the last year of his agreement. At this moment in his profession, he is what he is: A serviceable veteran safety. Theres no reason, with Dan Quinn gone and the “D” set to undergo an overhaul, Atlanta shouldnt see what it can receive from a team that might use proven experience in the defensive backfield.
Possible compensation: 2021 late-round draft pickPotential landing areas: Colts, Cowboys, Eagles
The Atlanta Falcons have actually struck the reset button at the top of their shooting, coach both staff Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff after an 0-5 start to the 2020 season. Team president Rich McKay stated this week the Falcons wont “predetermine the lineup” for the next coach and GM by selling off as much skill as possible, but he likewise acknowledged Atlanta would listen to trade offers ahead of the Nov. 3 in-season due date.
Jones will permanently be a Falcons legend, and this isnt to state hes completely washed as a No. 1 WR, however is he actually going to be around and/or elite when Atlanta is prepared to complete again? Carpenter is just over a year gotten rid of from inking a four-year offer to be Atlantas starting left guard, but theres nothing that shows hes an essential over the next half-decade. Theres no reason, with Dan Quinn gone and the “D” set to undergo an overhaul, Atlanta shouldnt see what it can get from a team that could use proven experience in the protective backfield.
