Will the Atlanta Falcons be buyers at the trade deadline?

The Atlanta Falcons have a tough decision at the upcoming trade deadline as they are sitting in the middle of the NFC South race and certainly have room to improve. While the team has plenty of positions to improve it would be surprising to see the Falcons make any notable moves ahead of the trade deadline.

Atlanta lacks the cap space to make a high-impact move and is still a year away from being a real contender. While a weak NFC South and impressive coaching from Arthur Smith will keep Atlanta in the playoff hunt deep into the season this team is still a year away.

Dealing with a massive $70-million dollar dead cap hit has the Falcons unable to attempt to make a push for the playoffs. Trading for veteran contracts after just resetting their cap space for next season wouldn’t make sense.

The only moves Atlanta could explore is if a pass rusher or receiver comes on the market they believe is a piece they can lock up and build around past just this season.

The likelihood of finding either within both Atlanta’s limited cap space and what they would be willing to spend in what was expected to be a rebuilding year seems far-fetched. While Atlanta isn’t going to be selling at the deadline it would be shocking to see the team make any noteworthy moves because of this.

It is important to remember the team will have Calvin Ridley returning next season as well as a fresh round of draft picks and plenty of cap to improve the roster in free agency. Atlanta should continue to take the patient approach and continue to see what Arthur Smith can accomplish this season with the current roster intact. Atlanta being sellers at the deadline will happen but likely not for one more year as Atlanta looks to finally make a push to contend.