Rookies will not solve Atlanta Falcons offensive line issues

During the 2018 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons had major offensive line issues. In 2019, the offensive line is still a major disappointment.

The Atlanta Falcons thought they could solve these issues through the draft and signing “serviceable” offensive lineman in free agency. The moves for offensive lineman are why Thomas Dimitroff will inevitably be fired.

The Falcons had bad luck with the first-round pick Chris Lindstrom landing on injured reserve but the Falcons still needed to find depth. Jamon Brown and James Carpenter were picked up during free agency and have been major disappointments.

Most fans will say they need to fix these offensive line issues during the draft, but rookies will not fix these issues. The Falcons need to get a veteran offensive lineman or make a splash trade for an elite offensive lineman.

There is a major skill gap in today’s NFL for an offensive lineman. The average defensive lineman, receiver, corner, etc. is miles better than the average offensive lineman.

The Falcons need to make a splash trade for one of the elite offensive linemen in the NFL like Quenton Nelson or Zack Martin. The Falcons would have to give up a lot for one of those guys but could be worth it.

Trading for Zack Martin might not be as unreasonable as some people might think. Jerry Jones is going to give Dak Prescott a hefty extension and the Cowboys will likely need to move someone so they can sign Prescott. The next Falcons general manager should call the Cowboys to see what it will take to get him.

The average wide receiver is miles better than the average offensive lineman. The Falcons could do a straight-up trade Julio Jones for an elite offensive lineman. The Colts need help at wide receiver and Julio Jones straight up for Quenton Nelson is a fair trade.

Falcons will not want to trade away Julio Jones but it is not out of the realm of possibilities. He is thirty years old and has a big contract.