Three players the Falcons could replace Calvin Ridley with

DeSean Jackson is a name familiar to just about every fan of the sport. Between 2008 and 2016, Jackson was one of the most productive receivers in the league, with stints in Philadelphia and Washington resulting in 5 1000+ yard seasons, bundles of touchdowns, and became the best friend of deep passers everywhere. Jackson is exactly what the Falcons should be looking for in a receiver.

The great thing is that he’s available. While he might currently be a Rams player, both he and the organization have agreed that if a viable trade becomes available, he can pursue it. Despite logging a 75-yard touchdown reception at the start of the season, Jackson has barely seen the field in Los Angeles.

There’s no denying that DeSean Jackson would be a fine addition to the Falcons offense, and would no doubt demand the attention of opposition defenses whenever he’s on the field. The biggest issue would be him getting on the field. Since 2018, Jackson has played exactly 15 games. That inability to stay on the field isn’t something the Falcons need right now. At the age of 34, there are no guarantees over his overall ability to contribute down to down either.

Then there’s the matter of acquiring him. I’m not exactly sure what it would take for the Rams to sign off on Jackson’s trade, but the Falcons aren’t exactly flush for picks in 2022, so that alone might lead them to avoid taking the plunge. Jacksons previously shared anti-vaccine sentiment to his social media channels. Given how proudly the Falcons proclaimed to be 100% vaccinated before the seasons start, it’s unlikely they’d lose that for someone who won’t likely be with the team next season.

From a footballing perspective, however, Jackson makes a tonne of sense, and would likely relish the opportunity to establish himself as a WR1 again late in his career.