Falcons star defender named among early NFL trade candidates

Atlanta's defense has been solid this season, despite allowing 34 points in their recent loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons currently have the best run defense in the league and rank among the top-five in pressures, even without their two best edge rushers. However, their postseason chances look bleak in a weak NFC South division.

If their losing streak continues, the team might consider offloading some of their better players. According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, star safety Jessie Bates III could be among those up for trade. Bates had been the team's most reliable defender last season, starting all 17 games and allowing a passers rating of only 73.7 in coverage.

Atlanta's salary cap situation would improve by trading Bates, who is the highest-paid player on the team this year at nearly $25 million. Trading him would save the Falcons around $10.75 million this year, plus another $7.5 million over the next three years. However, Bates' trade would open a significant hole in their defense and come with over $19 million in dead money.

Despite the drawbacks, the article suggests that the Falcons would prefer to keep Bates on the team, even if their playoff hopes for 2026 seem diminished.