5 defensive line trade options to help the Falcons for their 2024 playoff push

cory woodroof

Wed, 30 Oct 2024, 5:57 pm·2-min read

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants during the game at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. At 5-3, that's more realistic now than it ever has been for the Dirty Birds.

However, the defensive line needs some help if the team is really going to make waves in January. The Falcons are last in the NFL in sacks on the season (6) and have struggled to consistently get after the quarterback through eight games.

Lucky for them, the 2024 NFL trade deadline isn't until next Tuesday. There is still plenty of time for the Falcons to add more pass-rush help to the roster.

Sure, the team sent its 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for outside linebacker Matt Judon, but another player could really help. Let's go over five options.

Giants OLB Azeez Ojulari

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 26: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass while pressured by Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Ojulari has 6 sacks this season, which is as many as the Falcons have. He'll be a free agent in 2025 and might already be on the team's radar for spring. With the Giants not in any position to meaningfully contend right now, a deal would make sense for both sides.

Browns DE Za'Darius Smith

Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) reacts to fans before the game between the Browns and the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Smith has 5 sacks this season and would instantly upgrade the Falcons' defensive front if traded for. If the Falcons are comfortable adding another veteran over 30 to the defensive line like they did with Judon, Smith checks a lot of boxes and is still playing at a high level.

Broncos OLB Baron Browning

Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (5) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Browning had 4.5 sacks in 2023, the second-best mark of his career with the Denver Broncos after netting 5 sacks sacks in 2022. However, he's fallen out of the rotation this season and is on an expiring contract. It wouldn't be a shock for the Falcons to try him out and see if he can add some juice off the edge. It couldn't hurt!

Browns OLB Ogbo Okoronkwo

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) tackles Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Okoronkwo has 2 sacks this season for the Cleveland Browns. His familiarity with Raheem Morris and the Falcons' defensive scheme from their shared 2021 season with Los Angeles Rams intrigues you, even if he's more of a solid rotational player than a full-time starter.

Titans OLB Arden Key

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) during the first quarter of the NFL game against Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.

Key earned 2 sacks on Sunday against a stout Detroit Lions defense, bringing his total for the season to 3. They've all come in the last two weeks, signaling he's rounding into form for the season. The Falcons could really use a player like Key on the roster who's getting hot.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 defensive line trade options to help the Falcons for their 2024 playoff push