Falcons have perfect opportunity to rectify Micah Parsons mistake with one bold move
Earlier this summer, the Atlanta Falcons were floated as a potential destination for Micah Parsons, but Terry Fontenot never inquired, leading the four-time Pro Bowler to be sent to Green Bay. But as the Trade Deadline rapidly approaches, another superstar defender could be on the move—and this is a swing Fontenot can't miss.
Cincinnati Bengals superstar Trey Hendrickson is amid a long-standing contract dispute with the team and the sweepstakes are on. While teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers are expected to be involved, there is a clear opportunity to improve Jeff Ulbrich's burgeoning pass rush.
While it is unlikely, the addition of a player of Hendrickson's caliber could be the move Atlanta needs to firmly cement themselves as a team to be feared in the NFC. After years of struggling to get to the quarterback, the complement the ex-Saint provides the Falcons' rookies could be too much to avoid.
Trey Hendrickson could be the means to correcting Terry Fontenot's biggest mistake
Since joining the Bengals in 2021, the Florida native has quickly emerged as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, and is on track to be named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl this season.
The only reason Cincinnati is considering moving him is because they are dedicating too much money to Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow, and signing the All-Pro edge rusher to a long-term extension would put the Bengals in financial purgatory.
The Falcons boast a strong pass-rushing tandem of Arnold Ebiketie, Leonard Floyd, and rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., which has helped transformed the defense. Both Floyd and Ebiketie's contracts will expire at the end of the season though, so Fontenot and Raheem Morris need to act swiftly.
Unfortunately though, it is highly unlikely a deal comes to fruition. The Dirty Birds don't have a first-round pick in 2026 due to the Pearce trade, and Cincinnati's asking price would more than likely require one.
However, unlike Parsons, Hendrickson will turn 31 in December, so it isn't insane to think that Ebiketie or David Onyemata and a second-round pick could entice Bengals GM Duke Tobin.
Additionally, the All-Pro could serve as a mentor to both Pearce and Walker, while the defensive attention he commands could help benefit the entire defensive line like Parsons has for the Packers. And if not Hendrickson, maybe it's worth calling on Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
The Dirty Birds will be looking most heavily at linebacker, cornerback, and wide receiver over the next 10 days, especially now that Divine Deablo is hurt. But amid all of the speculation, it would be a disservice to not do due diligence on the biggest name being floated around in rumors before the Nov. 4 deadline.
Eagles Brett Toth Expected To Make First Career Start At Center
The Eagles' inactives for Sunday's Week 8 home game against the New York Giants are a list of those njured.
Four of the five players who won't play in the rematch game against New York were ruled out on Friday - receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring), center Cam Jurgens (knee), cornerback Adoree Jackson (concussion), and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari (hamstring). Sam Howell is inactive, but will serve as the emergecny quarterback.
Brett Toth, who stepped in for Jurgens when Jurges left in the first half of last week's win in Minnesota, will make his first career start at the position. Drew Kendall is active should the rookie be needed in-game.
That would require an injury to Toth or even Dickerson, in which case Toth would probably slide into Dickerson's spot at left guard, and Kendall would enter as the center.
Eagles Depth Will Be Tested Without Key Players
Toth will have his hands full against a deep and talented Giants front four that includes Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns, who was listed as questionable on Friday but will play.
"The defensive line is definitely very good, one of the best in the NFL," said Toth during the week. "Watching tape from other teams, you see some other great players struggling with them. They're great players themselves. Whether it's Dexter or Burns or Abdul, it's an unbelievable group."
The Eagles depth will be tested at receiver, cornerback, and edge without Brown, Jackson, and Ojulari.
The Eagles activated rookie receiver Darius Cooper from injured reserve on Saturday, so he could join Jahan Dotson, John Metchie, and Zavier Gipson in the receiver mix behhind, of course, DeVonta Smith.
Rumors continue to circulate around Brown regarding a trade before next Tuesday's trade deadline. They were seemingly shot down by MFL Media on Sunday morning, however, saying a deal won't happen unless there is a blockbuster return. That just won't happen, especially given the salary cap ramifications and the steep cap hit that would kick in if he were dealt.
At cornerback, Kelee Ringo will make his third start with rookie Mac McWilliams and Parry Nickerson behind him. Ringo did not play well in the first meeting against the Giants, a 34-17 loss just 17 days ago.
Ojulari played against his former teammates, the Giants, in that loss, but a hamstring injury suffered against Minnesota leaves the Eaagles short-handed on the edge, with starters Jalyx Hunt and Josh Uche backed up by Patrick Johnson. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell should see snaps on the edge n the Eagles' base defense.
