The Atlanta Falcons made one trade prior to this year’s trade deadline. However, there was rampant speculation around the league and anticipation among the fans that the team would continue to clean house. Instead, the club made a puzzling miscalculation by standing pat.
The Atlanta Falcons traded wide receiver Mohamed Sanu to the New England Patriots for a valuable second-round pick in next year’s draft. Several other players were thought to be on the trading block. To the disappointment of many, the club failed to make another move.
Devonta Freeman
Devonta Freeman is one player that was rumored to be heavily involved in trade discussions. Reportedly the Detroit Lions had a strong interest in acquiring the 27-year-old running back as a replacement for the injured Kerryon Johnson.
Moving Freeman would have given the Atlanta Falcons the opportunity to remove the final three years of his contract off the books. Devonta is scheduled to count 9.5 million dollars in 2020, 9.3 million in 2021, and 8.2 million dollars against the salary cap in 2022.
Shockingly the Atlanta Falcons decided they wanted to keep Devonta Freeman, and declined Detroit’s offer according to Ian Rappaport of NFL.com.
An intriguing would-be trade that was heavily discussed over the past week, but didn’t end up happening: #Falcons RB Devonta Freeman to the #Lions. DET inquired, the sides talked about a possible deal at length, but ultimately, Atlanta just decided they didn’t want to trade him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2019
This is a befuddling move by the Atlanta Falcons. In a passing oriented NFL that has devalued the running back position, clearing Devonta Freeman off the cap and giving opportunities to younger, cheaper ball carriers such as last year’s fifth round pick Qadree Ollison made much more sense.