The Atlanta Falcons may need to make an emergency trade to fix their defense, as the season-ending torn ACL suffered by second-year stud Jalon Walker has the potential to be catastrophic.
On top of the fact that Matt Ryan now has to work around the Walker injury, he may be staring down the barrel of a roster that doesn't have great wide receiver depth and could add one more playmaker in the secondary.
These five players may be unlikely trade candidates before the season starts, but given the curveballs that have been thrown in front of Atlanta in the last few months, it may not be the worst idea ever to at least check in and see if they can be had.
5 trades Falcons can make before 2026 after Jalon Walker injury
5. Riley Moss, CB, Denver Broncos
Moss, the No. 2 cornerback behind Patrick Surtain II, is quite the enigma, as he led the NFL in both pass breakups and penalties. With first-round pick Jahdae Barron waiting in the wings, Moss could be expendable in the eyes of a dominant Denver defense.
4. Andy Dalton, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Falcons' quarterback battle degraded to the point that they were literally pulling Cooper Rush off the street and giving Division II UDFA Jack Strand first-team reps. Dalton, who is in a crowded Eagles QB room, has the accuracy and ability to pick up an offense quickly to be worth pursuing.
3. Will McDonald, EDGE, New York Jets
McDonald is perhaps the worst-run-defending edge in the league, but he has some tremendous first-step quickness and pass rush ability. McDonald, in the last year of his contract, could find a home with a Falcons team that would be more willing to give him a big contract.
2. Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
Boutte is seemingly on the outside looking in after the Patriots brought in both AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs int his offseason. If the Falcons are underwhelmed by the development of third-round rookie Zachariah Branch or free agent signing Jahan Dotson, Boutte could come to town and become WR2 behind Drake London.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants
Thibodeaux has been in trade rumors for quite literally a year and a half, as he doesn't have a starting role following the Abdul Carter selection. Thibodeaux might be looking for a payday, and his solid blend of rush defense and juice on passing downs could appeal to the Falcons.
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