The NFL trade deadline is just days away, and with the Atlanta Falcons just a half-game back of the NFC South lead, it's worth considering if they'd be aggressive to put themselves over the top in order to break the playoff drought, and if they want to do that, there are splash moves to be made.
Even at 3-5, the Falcons are uniquely set up to be buyers in Ian Cunningham's first trade deadline as a general manager. They have seven draft picks in 2027 and they lead the NFL with over $143 million in 2027 cap space, so if Cunningham sees the opportunity to make a big move, I'm sure he'd take it.
One of the biggest players who could theoretically make sense in Atlanta is Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, whom ESPN's Dan Graziano floated as a possible trade candidate. With the Cowboys sitting at 3-5 and Pickens on an expiring contract teams could look to call about his status.
"Staying in the NFC East, teams are wondering if the Cowboys would consider trading WR George Pickens if they suffer another loss this week and fall to 3-6," Graziano wrote. "I do not get the sense that would consider such a move, but if it isn't planning to sign to an extension next offseason, it would make sense to at least take the call."
Graziano noted it's unlikely that Jerry Jones would consider dealing him away, even if they don't extend him long-term, but it's even more unlikely this is the sort of move the Falcons would consider at the trade deadline for a multitude of reasons--even as they try to catch the Panthers.
Don't count on the Atlanta Falcons trading for George Pickens before the deadline
For starters, if the Dirty Birds were interested, they could have tried their luck this offseason when the public and messy trade saga was going down. Besides, they just signed Drake London to a $141 million extension, so whta would be the point of trading for another WR who wants a big-money deal?
That would be a lot of investment in the position for a team who is unsure about whether or not they have found their franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., so while George Pickens would be a fun get for a signal-caller who loves to push it downfield, this would be a massive luxury addition.
Moreover, there is a lot of baggage that comes with this specific acquisition. While the 25-year-old is familiar with Mercedes-Benz Stadium after playing his college ball at Georgia, he's known to have a history of character and attitude concerns, especially when he isn't getting targeted--and the drama of having to pay him is something this front office should want no part of.
Yes, the Falcons need help at receiver, but a splash move at the position isn't going to fix all of their problems. Jahan Dotson has been better than expected since coming over to be the WR2, so if they were to address the position, it'd be for a WR3 like Kayshon Boutte or Jerry Jeudy in a smaller move.
On the slight off-chance Dallas did consider dealing Pickens away, it would not be cheap. In all likelihood, they'd want a first or second-round pick to bite, and that's pricey. That could come back to haunt a team that wouldn't be in the playoffs if the season ended today, especially since Ian Cunningham didn't get to make his last first-round pick.
The Falcons' offense is loaded enough as it is, so acquiring George Pickens is too risky--and is a move Ian Cunningham can't afford to make.
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