Change Team:
This page lists all the 2023 Trades for the Atlanta Falcons. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the trades. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the trades, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL trades here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
For updates follow me @walterfootball
- Total Trades: 4
- Average Grade: B- (81.8)
October 2023 – Trades and Signings
Falcons acquire DT Kentavius Street from Eagles for swap of 2024 6th-round and 2025 7th-round draft picks
The Falcons suffered an unfortunate injury this past week, as Grady Jarrett was lost for the season for a torn ACL. They had to acquire some help at the position to replenish their depth, so it’s understandable why they’d acquire Kentavius Street from the Eagles.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, this deal won’t move the needle at all. Street has played extensively in just three games this year, and he was nothing more than a below-average producer at best. He’s just a body to have in the interior. A swap of sixth- and seventh-round picks for him is acceptable.
As for the Eagles, Street barely played most weeks, so it made sense to trade him. They can probably find someone similar to replace him anyway.
Grade for Falcons – B-
Grade for Eagles – B+
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Falcons acquire WR Van Jefferson from Rams for 2025 sixth- and seventh-round draft picks
Prior to the season, the Rams were seen as a team that was devoid of receiving talent beyond Cooper Kupp. Things have changed, however, in the wake of Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell emerging. With Kupp returning from injury, the Rams suddenly had no room for Van Jefferson, so it made sense to trade him for a couple of late-round picks.
The Falcons, conversely, don’t really have anything beyond Drake London. Mack Hollins is as pedestrian as it gets, and Atlanta needed another deep threat. Jefferson, who registered 802 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, can at least serve as a distraction for defenses to open things up for Bijan Robinson. He’s well worth it for a pair of late-round draft choices. This seems like an equal trade for both teams.
Grade for Falcons – B+
Grade for Rams – B+
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
April 2023 – Trades and Signings
Falcons acquire CB Jeff Okudah from Lions for 5th-round pick
It’s almost hard to believe that Jeff Okudah was the No. 3 overall pick three years ago. He hasn’t come close to living up to those expectations, struggling in his first and third seasons, and missing all but one game of the second with a torn Achilles. Okudah had suffered numerous other injuries in his first three years, which contributed to his struggles.
That said, I like that the Falcons are buying low on him. Okudah has plenty of talent, and he won’t even be 25 until February. If he can remain healthy, there’s a chance he’ll finally perform on a high level. Doing so would fill a big need in Atlanta’s secondary at a very cheap price. Conversely, if Okudah continues to struggle, losing out on a fifth-round pick won’t be the end of the world.
The Falcons definitely won this trade, but this wasn’t an awful deal for the Lions because they would have lost Okudah to free agency soon anyway. They signed Cameron Sutton and potentially plan to draft a cornerback with an early selection, so they would have obtained a replacement for Okudah anyway. Still, it’s a disappointment that their No. 3 overall pick turned into just a fifth-rounder.
Grade for Falcons – A-
Grade for Lions – C+
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
March 2023 – Trades and Signings
Falcons acquire TE Jonnu Smith from Patriots for 2023 7th-round pick
I still can’t believe the Patriots signed Jonnu Smith to a 4-year, $50 million contract with $31 million guaranteed a couple of seasons ago. The Falcons could apparently believe that because they were willing to take on Smith’s horrendous contract in the wake of this trade.
The fit makes sense for the Falcons in general because Arthur Smith coached Jonnu Smith in Tennessee. However, the Falcons already have Kyle Pitts, so I don’t quite understand why they would take on a tight end contract like this. The draft compensation, a seventh-round pick, is fair, but it seems like Atlanta could have obtained a cheaper alternative.
As for the Patriots, it’s a positive that they were able to get rid of Smith by realizing that he was a sunk cost. Getting something, even a seventh-rounder, is better than nothing.
Grade for Falcons – C-
Grade for Patriots – B
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
