3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t trade Calvin Ridley
By Nick Halden
1. Atlanta is in no position to trade a receiver of Calvin Ridley’s talent after losing Julio Jones
Even if Atlanta managed to bring Calvin Ridley back next season it is obvious their team needs help at the receiver position. Preferably a sizable receiver capable of making catches Ridley isn’t. What Ridley lacks in size and speed he makes up for in burst and route running.
When it comes to running routes Ridley is a technician and Atlanta cannot afford to lose that skill set. If you’re the Falcons trading Ridley cannot solve a problem considering it creates another.
Even if Atlanta receives an early draft pick they aren’t guaranteed to get a player anywhere close to the level of Ridley. Even if they manage to make the perfect pick they have solved one problem by creating another.
Calvin leaving a year after the Falcons parted ways with Julio Jones shouldn’t be an option. A team that still needs to find an option alongside Ridley cannot afford to trade Ridley and attempt to replace two great receivers. Atlanta’s best option is to keep Ridley for the final year of his rookie deal and attempt to bring in a top receiver from the draft or in free agency.
Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and a third good option will be enough to put Arthur Smith’s offense back on track and give them a chance as to win shootouts as the rebuild continues.