With limited cap space, the Atlanta Falcons were forced to move on from six of last season’s starters, including their leading tackler, De’Vondre Campbell, and 2019 sack leader, Vic Beasley.
The team filled most of its needs in the draft, but could still use some depth at a few positions, including linebacker, corner and tight end. Let’s examine three low-risk, high-reward options that Atlanta could potentially trade for without giving up too much.
LB Haason Reddick – Cardinals
2019 Stats: 73 tackles (40 solo), 1 sack, 6 passes defended
Adored by scouts leading up the 2017 NFL Draft, Haason Reddick’s role never materialized in Arizona and it’s still unclear where he is best suited to play. The Cardinals run a 3-4 defense and played Reddick at inside linebacker last season. He may be a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, or simply as a situational pass-rusher.
Reddick’s speed, athleticism and instincts coming out of Temple had scouts projecting him as rangy middle linebacker in the NFL. He played more of an outside LB/EDGE role in college and a return to a similar role in Atlanta could help him maximize his unique skill-set. Since Arizona declined Reddick’s fifth-year option and drafted Isaiah Simmons, the team is clearly not sold on him long term. In exchange for a late-round pick, Reddick may be worth taking a chance on during a contract year with a lot to prove.
CB Gareon Conley – Texans
2019 Stats: 50 tackles (36 solo), 1 INT, 13 passes defended
Another 2017 first-round pick whose fifth-year option was declined, Conley was traded to the Texans from the Raiders during the middle of the 2019 season. At just 24 years old, Conley has a ton of upside even if he never becomes a true No. 1 cornerback. The Texans gave up a third-round pick for him, but clearly aren’t sold on his long-term potential after declining his option.
If Atlanta could acquire Conley for a future fifth or sixth-round pick, he would instantly provide depth and experience at corner. Conley excels in man coverage and has four interceptions in 31 career games. Perhaps Falcons defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could maximize the abilities of the former Ohio State standout.
TE Cameron Brate – Bucs
2019 Stats: 36 catches, 311 yards, 4 TDs
Brate has become a popular name on the trade market due to the Buccaneers trading for Rob Gronkowski and picking up the fifth-year option on O.J. Howard. Still a very effective receiving option at 28 years old, Brate would give Atlanta two quality tight ends. Hayden Hurst was acquired for a second-round pick, but the former Raven has yet to prove himself as a starting-caliber tight end.
With 27 career touchdowns, Brate would give the team another viable red-zone option with Austin Hooper now in Cleveland. The obstacle here would be Brate’s contract, which has a $4.2 million base salary this season and has four years left on his deal. The Bucs restructured his contract back in March to sign Tom Brady, but that was before the team traded for Gronkowski. If he’s available for a mid-round pick, Brate would be worth bringing to Atlanta.
