Don Deal, the Philadelphia Eagles’ top player, agrees to sign a contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Don Deal, the Philadelphia Eagles’ top player, agrees to sign a contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons’ 2023 season came to an unfortunate end after yet another mediocre campaign. Head coach Arthur Smith was fired after the team finished 7-10 for the third consecutive season. The running tandem of Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson had a fantastic season, but the Falcons offense never produced enough to be a genuine playoff contender, averaging 32 fewer yards per game than in 2022, in addition to a mediocre quarterback.

Atlanta had a strong defense, but the Falcons forced the fourth-fewest turnovers of any NFL team. This team ended with the second-worst turnover differential in the league when you add 28 turnovers on the opposing side of the ball. The NFL Draft and free agency will be crucial for Atlanta as the offseason gets underway. However, the group may also consider trading for new players. These are the Falcons’ two offseason trade targets.

Williams, Quinnen, and the New York Jets

N.Y. Jets’ Quinnen Williams (DT)
The Falcons’ defense has been a focus for development in recent seasons, so bringing in a strong defensive lineman should be at the top of the list in the 2024 offseason. Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets is the best choice to lead the Falcons’ interior defensive line.

Williams has made a name for himself as one of the best interior defenders in the league thanks to his explosive first step, agility, and ability to get past offensive lines.

Atlanta’s run defense would be instantly improved by his disruptive presence in the trenches, and their ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks would also be greatly enhanced.

The Falcons need to add some youth and talent to their defensive line because veterans Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell are expected to leave. Williams is a perfect fit. In addition to improving the pass rush, his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the opponent’s offense would also present opportunities for the Falcons’ underperforming edge rushers to take advantage of one-on-one matchups.

Quinnen Williams would cost a lot of money to acquire, but the effect he could have on the Falcons’ defense would make it worthwhile. To acquire this defensive tackle who can change games, the Falcons need to be prepared to consider trade possibilities and engage in successful negotiations.