The Atlanta Falcons have been embroiled in a Kirk Cousins drama all offseason. Despite endless rumors and reports about veteran QB's next potential destination, it looks like Cousins will start the season in Atlanta. He will, however, continue to be on the trade block until further notice.
Cousins is not the only Falcon with a decent chance to be traded this season. Kyle Pitts, whose future in Atlanta remains uncertain due to his expiring contract, could be another star on the move. Yet, there is an under-the-radar trade candidate who could very well be sent packing sooner rather than later.
David Onyemata May Be on the Move Before Falcons Season Ends
David Onyemata has been one of the best defenders for the Falcons since joining the team in the 2023 offseason. The veteran defensive lineman has been a consistent source of production for underwhelming Falcons defensive units, putting up seven sacks, 21 QB hits, and 14 tackles for loss in 30 starts. He has received 83.3 and 66.2 PFF defensive grades, respectively, during his Atlanta tenure. But it's not his on-field production that makes him a trade candidate.
Onyemata will turn 33 during the season and is one of the most expensive players on the Falcons roster with a $16.9 million cap hit. The Falcons could have cleared up $7.5 million in cap space by cutting the veteran this offseason, but chose to keep him around. They might be thinking that a trade may be possible where they recoup some value for a productive defender.
Plus, the Falcons have invested in the position over the last few years. They have drafted the likes of Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Zach Harrison in early to mid rounds. They continued their plan of getting younger on the defensive line by using two first-round picks on pass rushers this spring.
This, coupled with Atlanta's desire for cap flexibility, makes Onyemata expendable. If some of the younger options on the team show signs of development during the preseason and early in the regular season, Onyemata could very well be moved to open up some cap space and add draft capital.
An Onyemata trade before the season isn't necessarily likely. Yet, the way the next few weeks go could make him more likely to be traded before his contract expires at the end of the season. It is something Falcons fans should keep in mind as they kick off the preseason against the Lions on Friday.