Atlanta Falcons: Should they kick the tires on Aqib Talib?
By Randy Gurzi
![OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Aqib Talib (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Aqib Talib (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbloggingdirty-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F11-2F879748244-denver-broncos-vs-oakland-raiders-jpg-18692bd36ceea92fd249d71df1ed033000d68aa9716e101685918497ae983af4.jpg)
With Aqib Talib on the trading block, the Atlanta Falcons could make a splash by making a move for the veteran cornerback
Rumors started spreading on Sunday that the Denver Broncos may be interested in trading veteran cornerback Aqib Talib. While his position isn’t really a dire need, should the Atlanta Falcons consider adding the talented playmaker via trade?
Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver has reported that the team is wanting to move on from the vet due to his $12 million cap hit in 2017. He has two years remaining on his deal, and while he may cost a lot, he could be a difference maker for a team like Atlanta that has to face some potent passing offenses in the NFC.
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The question becomes whether or not he’s worth it to them. Atlanta currently has just over $16 million in cap space and they already have a decision to make with nose tackle Dontari Poe. Then there’s the elephant in the room, an extension for quarterback Matt Ryan — but that could actually create short-term cap space.
Really the question comes down to what’s important for the Falcons. Do they want to dedicate their open cap space to bringing back a run stuffer on the defensive line like Poe, or get themselves a guy with 34 career picks.
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Ultimately, it’s probably too much to pay for a 31-year old corner on a young defense. But it’s not a stretch to say he would be a huge difference maker and can still play at an elite level.