The Atlanta Falcons sit at 3-4 ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, with blockbuster deals involving Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner already shaking up the league. Just a half-game out of first place in the NFC South, Atlanta has reason to explore opportunities to strengthen its roster for a potential playoff push.
First-year general manager Ian Cunningham has already demonstrated a willingness to make deals. In late August, he acquired Gervon Dexter Sr. from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Clark Phillips II and Atlanta’s 2027 fifth-round pick. Earlier in the offseason, Cunningham swapped Ruke Orhorhoro for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Maason Smith in April and acquired Sydney Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in March through an exchange of fourth and sixth-round picks.
With Cunningham’s aggressive approach already on display, another move before the deadline wouldn’t be surprising. Here are three potential trade targets who could help bolster Atlanta’s roster.
Three Potential Trade Deadline Targets for the Atlanta Falcons
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Thomas Jr. has been a prominent name in trade discussions over the past two seasons. His career in Jacksonville got off to a scorching start, totaling 87 receptions for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Following that season, the Jaguars hired Liam Coen as head coach, a move that paid immediate dividends with a 13-4 record and a playoff berth. However, Thomas became an afterthought in the offense behind Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brenton Strange.
This season has been his least productive yet, with just nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown through six games, including three starts. He ranks sixth on the team in receiving yards and fourth in targets. The former first-round pick could benefit from a change of scenery. His fellow 2024 first-round selection, Marvin Harrison Jr., was traded to the Houston Texans earlier this season alongside a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for second and sixth-round selections in 2027. Harrison’s pedigree as one of the most highly touted receiver prospects in recent memory helped preserve his trade value despite inconsistent production.
Atlanta desperately needs a complementary outside receiver opposite Drake London. The Falcons’ 2026 third-round pick, Zachariah Branch, has struggled to make a meaningful impact, while Jahan Dotson has been a pleasant surprise in an expanded role. Still, Thomas would represent a significant upgrade. His vertical speed and route-running versatility would complement London’s physicality and ability to generate yards after the catch.
A receiving trio of London, Thomas, and Kyle Pitts could be dangerous with Michael Penix Jr. operating the offense. Add Bijan Robinson‘s receiving ability out of the backfield, and Atlanta’s passing attack could reach another level.
The biggest obstacle is Jacksonville’s success. With the Jaguars winning, they have little incentive to move Thomas without a substantial offer. However, if his frustration leads to a trade request, Atlanta should be ready to explore a deal.
Compensation: Thomas Jr. for 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick
Other potential targets: Josh Downs, Calvin Ridley and Marquise Brown.
Carrington Valentine, CB, Green Bay Packers
Atlanta’s need for cornerback depth stems largely from injuries. A.J. Terrell Jr. recently returned from injured reserve, but Avieon Terrell has been sidelined by an illness. Billy Bowman Jr. has missed time with a hamstring injury, C.J. Henderson sat out a game with a groin injury, and Mike Hughes has been inconsistent in relief.
Meanwhile, Valentine has fallen down Green Bay’s depth chart and could benefit from a change of scenery in the final year of his rookie contract. Despite playing just 67 snaps this season, Valentine has earned an impressive 85.9 Pro Football Focus grade. Although the sample size is limited, his potential as a reliable depth option makes him an intriguing target.
Valentine has excelled in press-man coverage early in his career, which could complement Atlanta’s defensive scheme. The Falcons deploy man coverage on nearly 22% of their defensive snaps, slightly above the NFL average of 21%. If Atlanta is unwilling to pay a premium for a higher-profile cornerback, Valentine represents a worthwhile, low-cost option.
Compensation: Valentine for 2027 sixth-round pick
Other potential targets: Nahshon Wright, Amik Robertson or Martin Emerson Jr.
Wyatt Teller, IOL, Houston Texans
Houston’s season may have effectively ended with its Week 7 overtime loss to the New York Giants. At 2-5 in a highly competitive AFC, the Texans could look to move Teller ahead of the trade deadline. His contract, worth $16 million over two seasons, complicates matters, particularly with Teller on the wrong side of 30.
Teller’s biggest selling point for Atlanta is his familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski. He played at an All-Pro level for years under Stefanski in Cleveland and has an extensive understanding of the offensive scheme. Teller would provide valuable insurance behind Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron, offering a significant upgrade over current reserve Kyle Hinton while remaining capable of making spot starts.
A move to Atlanta would also reunite Teller with offensive line coach Bill Callahan, providing a familiar environment as he enters the latter stages of his career. His contract makes potential trade compensation difficult to project. Still, if the Falcons are willing to absorb the financial commitment, they could potentially acquire him without sacrificing significant draft capital in 2027.
Compensation: Teller and 2027 seventh-round pick for 2028 seventh-round pick
Other potential targets: Jordan Meredith, Jon Gaines II or Zak Zinter
The Last Word
The Falcons are unlikely to make a major splash at the trade deadline, but calculated moves could provide much-needed stability and raise the team’s floor. Cunningham has been aggressive in reshaping Atlanta’s roster throughout 2026, and with the NFC South still within reach, that approach could continue.
Acquiring Thomas Jr. would headline Atlanta’s deadline activity, but under-the-radar additions such as Valentine and Teller could prove just as valuable in strengthening the roster for a playoff push.
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