The Atlanta Falcons are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. At 5-3, that’s more realistic now than it ever has been for the Dirty Birds.
However, the defensive line needs some help if the team is really going to make waves in January. The Falcons are last in the NFL in sacks on the season (6) and have struggled to consistently get after the quarterback through eight games.
Lucky for them, the 2024 NFL trade deadline isn’t until next Tuesday. There is still plenty of time for the Falcons to add more pass-rush help to the roster.
Sure, the team sent its 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for outside linebacker Matt Judon, but another player could really help. Let’s go over five options.
Giants OLB Azeez Ojulari
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Ojulari has 6 sacks this season, which is as many as the Falcons have. He’ll be a free agent in 2025 and might already be on the team’s radar for spring. With the Giants not in any position to meaningfully contend right now, a deal would make sense for both sides.
Browns DE Za'Darius Smith
Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
Smith has 5 sacks this season and would instantly upgrade the Falcons’ defensive front if traded for. If the Falcons are comfortable adding another veteran over 30 to the defensive line like they did with Judon, Smith checks a lot of boxes and is still playing at a high level.
Broncos OLB Baron Browning
Joe Nicholson/Imagn Images
Browning had 4.5 sacks in 2023, the second-best mark of his career with the Denver Broncos after netting 5 sacks sacks in 2022. However, he’s fallen out of the rotation this season and is on an expiring contract. It wouldn’t be a shock for the Falcons to try him out and see if he can add some juice off the edge. It couldn’t hurt!
Browns OLB Ogbo Okoronkwo
Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
Okoronkwo has 2 sacks this season for the Cleveland Browns. His familiarity with Raheem Morris and the Falcons’ defensive scheme from their shared 2021 season with Los Angeles Rams intrigues you, even if he’s more of a solid rotational player than a full-time starter.
Titans OLB Arden Key
Detroit Free Press
Key earned 2 sacks on Sunday against a stout Detroit Lions defense, bringing his total for the season to 3. They’ve all come in the last two weeks, signaling he’s rounding into form for the season. The Falcons could really use a player like Key on the roster who’s getting hot.
