1. Kirk Cousins is the No. 1 trade piece for the Falcons
Kirk Cousins was a failed signing for the Atlanta Falcons and now they must find a way to get something for him this offseason.
Terry Fontenot has been setting up a potential trade by claiming that the team is willing to use him as their backup quarterback in 2025. While that is possible, I am not buying it; they want to get out of the disastrous contract immediately.
Fontenot has to make it sound like the Falcons are content with him on their roster. He wants any team that is interested in Cousins to be proactive and trade for him rather than wait for his release.
With so few draft picks in the bank, Atlanta needs to get something out of their failed experiment.
2. Kyle Pitts could be traded by the Falcons
Kyle Pitts has been a hot name since entering the NFL, and it has mostly been for bad reasons. It is no secret he hasn't lived up to his draft slot and has struggled to be consistent since his outstanding rookie season.
Pitts is entering the fifth year of his rookie deal. His $10.9M salary is fully guaranteed and can only come off the books if he is traded -- it is almost the exact situation Calvin Ridley found himself in.
Without a doubt, there are teams out there who would be willing to take a chance on the talented player, it just comes down to whether they want to offer enough in return. Fontenot won't let him go for a late-round pick, he will want significant compensation for his first draft pick as a general manager.
3. Grady Jarrett could be traded by the Falcons
Grady Jarrett has been all class since he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. He has endured a lot of lows with the franchise and always puts his head down and works harder than anyone. That is why it is hard to accept the truth -- his play doesn't match his salary.
Jarrett's pedigree may attract another team looking for a boost along their defensive line. He is still quick, disruptive, and an outstanding leader.
The fact is that the Falcons aren't in a great cap situation and letting their franchise legend go will clear up over $16M. That money can be used to get under the cap and possibly buy a player or two who can help elsewhere on the defense.