The Atlanta Falcons had a rough Sunday against the Bears, falling 31-23 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicates. Caleb Williams didn't miss a beat in his first game back from a hamstring injury, completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown. Atlanta's struggling pass defense was on full display, an issue that has been costly to start 2026.
The Falcons have allowed 252 yards per game through the air in six games, which ranks 28th in the NFL. To make matters worse, Atlanta hasn't been able to rely on its run defense over the past couple of weeks. After being the best team in football against the run through four games, the Falcons' run defense has come back down to earth when they started to face real competition.
While A.J. Terrell being eligible to return from injured reserve this week helps, as does James Pearce Jr.'s suspension ending in a couple of games, it's no guarantee that getting those pieces back is enough to fix the problem. Terrell and Pearce may be rusty once back, so the Falcons should look at making a major move before the trade deadline on November 10.
Fortunately for Atlanta, there is a premier CB who's a viable trade candidate. Philadelphia Eagles CB Riq Woolen is on a one-year deal with Philadelphia, and Eagles GM Howie Roseman may be looking to sell at the deadline.
The Falcons should entertain trading for Eagles' cornerback Riq Woolen
The 2-4 Eagles are on a four-game losing streak, and just lost Jalen Hurts for the season due to blood clots. This recent development is obviously a scary situation that goes beyond football.
Hurts' absence, along with Lane Johnson's retirement, puts the Eagles' season in serious doubt. Woolen was already a potential trade candidate, and now, with Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations likely gone, selling at the deadline makes sense
Roseman has already shown he's willing to sell, with the Eagles trading Cam Jurgens along with a 2027 seventh-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. With the 27-year-old being a free agent at season's end, Philadelphia would prefer to get something in return as opposed to letting him walk--especially given he's had a solid year.
Fortunately, Falcons GM Ian Cunningham already made one trade with Roseman when he acquired Sydney Brown from Philadelphia during the offseason. What's the harm in doing a second?
Additionally, Cunningham worked under Roseman for a couple of seasons in Philly, so he can put that relationship to good use. Between Cunningham, assistant GM Jeff Scott, and cap guy Bryce Johnston, the Dirty Birds have a lot of connections to the Eagles in their front office and all across the roster, which makes Woolen that much more attainable.
Atlanta is on a two-game losing skid, but the season is far from lost. The division is still incredibly winnable, especially with Michael Penix Jr. performing well. The Falcons' biggest obstacle is Carolina, led by a resurgent Bryce Young. Young already had a field day against this secondary in Week 2, which Atlanta cannot let happen again in the regular-season finale.
Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski are both in Year 1, but that doesn't mean there isn't pressure. Snapping a nine-year playoff drought, along with a decade-long division title drought, builds up job security in a league that moves quickly.
Since Riq Woolen is on a one-year deal, the Falcons don't have to decide whether to commit to him long-term until next spring. Adding him, along with getting Terrell and Pearce back, could easily turn a major weakness into a strength. Atlanta has an opportunity to take the NFC South from the Panthers, but it needs to make a splash move to fix the secondary.
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