Three Players Who Can Help The Atlanta Falcons Rebuild Through Trades

1. Austin Hooper

Austin Hooper has emerged this season as a go-to option for Matt Ryan. Through seven games, Hooper leads the Falcons in receptions, tied for the most touchdowns with Julio, and is second in total yards, only behind Julio. In his fourth NFL season, Hooper is on pace to surpass his career highs in almost every category in a big way.

With that said, Hooper is in a contract year and will be looking for a huge payday when the season ends. Hooper has played so well this season, he has more than earned the contract that will come to him this offseason, however, I don’t think the Falcons will be the team to give him that big contract, regardless of how well he plays on the field this season. The Falcons have too much money wrapped up in Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and the defensive players that are due to be paid. Signing Hooper to a big deal would handcuff the Falcons for the next few seasons.

Letting Hooper go would be a painful loss, but with his value as high as it is at this moment, the Falcons have to capitalize. Hooper was drafted in the third round in 2016. It’s possible the Falcons could get a second-round pick from the Packers or another team that is desperate for some pass-catching help. It’s a move that might not be popular with the fans, but a move that is necessary for helping this rebuild go as quickly as it can.