It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons have struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks over the last few seasons. The team has finished near the bottom of the NFL in sacks for nearly a decade and it’s hard to envision any improvement in 2025 unless Atlanta makes a bold move.
It just so happens that the NFL’s top defensive lineman and reigning Defensive Player of the Year has requested a trade. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett posted on social media that he has asked to be traded to a contender.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft has dominated the league since his rookie year. Garrett has recorded at least 10 sacks in his last seven seasons, including four consecutive years with at least 14 sacks.
NFL analyst James Palmer named the Falcons as a team to watch in the Garrett sweepstakes. In a video on Bleacher Report, Palmer explained why Atlanta could be in the mix for Cleveland’s star pass rusher.
“Getting after the quarterback has been their only weakness,” said Palmer. “So that would be another team to where you look at — a team that has a quarterback on a rookie contract.”
Palmer mentions how the Falcons attempted to trade for defensive line help at last year’s deadline without any luck. Could they do it again?
“At the trade deadline, Atlanta was desperately trying to add defensive line help and pass-rusher help,” said Palmer. “The reason I bring it up is, just remember, they’ve been aggressive but came up short in trying to find pass-rush help in the past.”
Atlanta did acquire Matthew Judon for a third-round pick before the 2024 season but the Pro Bowl edge rusher didn’t have the impact many expected. Palmer goes on to suggest a Kirk Cousins trade could help facilitate a potential move for Garrett.
“Can you find a way to move on from Kirk and then change some money around and then have the ability to also add Myles Garrett to that defense? I think exponentially changes Atlanta and the perception of Atlanta in 2025.”
For the record, the Browns have stated they have no desire to move on from Garrett. That doesn’t mean a deal can’t come together, though. If Cleveland were openly shopping Garrett, that would only drive the price down.
Perhaps Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot just needs to make the Browns an offer they can’t refuse.
