Falcons missed out on golden opportunity to address biggest weakness
Late last night, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported a massive trade between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, which saw the teams swap young cornerbacks in Greg Newsome and Tyson Campbell. While this trade doesn't directly affect the Falcons, it has potential midseason implications for Atlanta's secondary—who was linked to Newsome before the deadline.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2025Another major Jaguars-Browns trade, per ESPN sources:
🏈Jaguars get CB Greg Newsome and the Jets’ 2026 sixth-round pick from the Browns.
🏈Browns get CB Tyson Campbell and the Eagles’ 2026 7th-round pick from the Jaguars.
The trade partners from the night of the 2025 draft now… pic.twitter.com/k04p48Dswf
The Falcons' secondary has been precarious, but dominant through the first four games this season. Their leader, cornerback A.J. Terrell, has been dealing with injuries, and linebacker Troy Anderson missed the first four weeks of the season. Despite this, the Falcons' defense claims the top spot in the league for yards per game allowed and passing yards per game allowed.
While their rush defense is in the middle of the pack, Falcons' fans would have loved to see Newsome donning the red and black this season. Before the season, countless evaluators mentioned the potential of the Falcons' trading for the former Northwestern standout to solidify their young secondary.
Greg Newsome was the missing piece of the puzzle for the Falcons' defense
However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggested a one-for-one swap with the Browns in exchange for Kyle Pitts. At the time, this seemed more realistic than now, as the former top-five pick has shined in his contract year.
Pitts has finally developed a steady role in the Falcons' offense and his chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. has flashed despite a rather dysfunctional receiving core. Outside of this suggestion, it's clear the Falcons need one more veteran depth piece on defense.
Rookies Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr have played exceptionally well, but are highly inexperienced. But the addition of a conerback like Newsome, who can play both outside and in the slot, would have been valuable to Jeff Ulbrich's unit.
Adding Newsome not only would have solidified a strong secondary but added fantastic depth to a key position. Both Mike Hughes and Dee Alford have struggled this season, while the Chicago native has enjoyed another strong season for Cleveland's defense—posting a 63.9 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade.
The 25-year-old will be paid $9.7 million this season, while the Falcons' retain $5.8 million in cap space. This means an offsetting move would have been required to realistically acquire the fifth-year cornerback.
Alas, a potential new running mate for Terrell was taken off the board in a substantial defensive swap between two AFC foes. Thankfully, the Falcons' secondary has played well enough to survive and advance, but likely won't forever.
Through the first four games, Atlanta's defense faced off against an inexperienced J.J. McCarthy, a rattled Bryce Young, and an injury-depleted Washington Commanders offense without Jayden Daniels.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, the secondary will receive true tests, and it begins on Monday Night Football against Josh Allen and the Bills. Whether the Falcons will make a bold midseason move is yet to be seen, but their options certainly got slimmer this week.
Andy Cohen Grilled Julia Lemigova Backstage at the Reunion Over Her & Adriana's Alleged Hookup
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Host Andy Cohen didn't need cue cards and a sofa to continue grilling Julia Lemigova about that Adriana de Moura bombshell while backstage during The Real Housewives of Miami's Season 7 Reunion Part 2.
Prior to Andy calling for the cast to take a break from filming, Julia had claimed that she and Adriana "slept together" during the RHOM Season 4 cast trip to the Hamptons. Amidst a heated back and forth on the subject, Adriana insisted that she and Julia had only "kissed" while sharing a bed on the getaway.
As Julia walked backstage with Andy and Alexia Nepola, she continued to unpack her jaw-dropping accusation.
"I feel horrible, but I was not me for four years," Julia said. "I couldn't speak the truth. I've never betrayed Adriana with my friendship with Alexia. I tried so much, Andy."
The Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host took the opportunity to ask if she and Adriana "slept together more than once," to which Julia answered, "We slept together once, and then we fooled around in the Versace mansion." (She was referencing Alexia's bachelorette party, which was also featured on RHOM Season 4.)
RELATED: Julia Lemigova Claims She & Adriana de Moura "Slept Together" in Jaw-Dropping Reunion Moment
"We had a one-night stand," Julia continued. "I didn't say it to spread gossip. It had to be known. I never, never betrayed Adriana. I still love her."
That led Andy to wonder if Julia's wife, Martina Navratilova, was "gonna be upset" when she watched the reunion on TV. (The tennis champ was home in Miami with their two adopted sons, Julia previously explained.)
"Martina knows. I told her. And I told her why," Julia replied. "And she did tell me, like, 'Why, Julia, are you going to say it?' I said, 'Darling, because we have to say the truth. Because I can't lie. I cannot pretend.'"
Earlier, Julia had also revealed that Martina "cried" when she told her she planned to come clean about her alleged hookup with Adriana, which she described as happening when their "marriage was not great."
Finally, Andy addressed Adriana's allegation that Julia had "an affair with a Haitian mortician," which Julia responded to with a laugh, saying, "TBD. Affair? No."
Julia Lemigova reveals more details about her and Adriana de Moura's drama
After parting ways with Andy in the hallway, Julia continued the conversation with Alexia, Kiki Barth, and Marysol Patton in a backstage dressing room.
"It was a lot," Julia said of her and Adriana's intense confrontation. "For four years, she was holding it over my head. One wrong move… 'You're not gonna like it. I'm gonna say it.' I said, 'Adriana, stop.'"
When the women pressed her for specifics on her and Adriana's alleged hookup, Julia declined.
RELATED: Adriana de Moura Reveals the "Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back" in Friendship With Julia
"I respect Adriana, and it's too much of intimate details that I’m not gonna go into," she said, simply leaving it at, "We had sex. We slept together. ... We were intimate."
Julia was more forthcoming with accusations that Adriana "controlled" her friendships within the RHOM cast.
"I said, 'Adriana, why did you bring me to this group? To be your puppet?'" she shared with the ladies. "From day one, it was rules: 'Alexia and Marysol are besties; you and I are gonna be besties.' And most important, like, if I would want to get close [to someone else], it was, "No. You cannot, you cannot, you cannot.'"
Inside Julia Lemigova's motivation for dropping the Adriana de Moura bombshell
Back on the reunion stage, Andy gave Julia the floor, so she could make "clear" what her motivation was for "sharing that story" about Adriana publicly.
"I said it because I felt muzzled," Julia answered, claiming that Adriana had predicted that her potentially leaving Martina for her would make a great "storyline" on RHOM. "And that made me really scared, and [I] started doubting the intentions of our friendship."
Earlier, Andy also asked Julia if she was "worried" that Adriana was "gonna tell Martina or the women" what happened between them in the Hamptons.
"Yes, because she was blackmailing me with this," Julia said. "She kept telling me, 'You are here because of me. You owe your paycheck to me.'"
As you await the three-part RHOM reunion's conclusion, get more intel on what caused the demise of Julia and Adriana's friendship.
Phaedra Parks Fiercely Defends Son After Trolls Target Ayden With Homophobic Remarks: "My Child Is Perfect!"-quang
ATLANTA, GA – Former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Phaedra Parks is known for her sharp wit and unwavering loyalty, and she recently put both on full display after her son, Ayden, became the target of online trolls making homophobic comments. The reality star and attorney didn't hesitate to shut down the negativity, delivering a powerful message of acceptance and unconditional love.
The controversy began after Parks shared a video of Ayden, 14, participating in a school activity. While many fans praised Ayden's charisma and intelligence, a handful of commenters made disparaging remarks, questioning his sexuality and using stereotypical language.
Parks, who is fiercely protective of her children, quickly responded to the hateful comments. In a series of posts across her social media platforms, she defended Ayden, emphasizing that his identity is his own to define and that she loves and supports him unconditionally.
"My son Ayden is a bright, talented, and amazing young man," Parks wrote on Instagram. "He is loved, he is valued, and he is perfect exactly as he is. It is disheartening to see people online making assumptions and spreading negativity about a child they don't even know."
Parks went on to address the broader issue of homophobia and bullying. "We need to teach our children to be kind, accepting, and respectful of others, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation," she stated. "Love is love, and I will always stand up for my son and for anyone who is being targeted because of who they are."
Parks' response has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow celebrities, and LGBTQ+ advocates. Many have praised her for using her platform to speak out against hate and to promote inclusivity.
"Phaedra, you are an amazing mother," one fan commented on her post. "Thank you for standing up for your son and for sending such a powerful message of love and acceptance."
Another user wrote, "As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am so grateful for your support. Your words mean the world to us."
Parks' defense of Ayden highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of parental support and advocacy. While progress has been made in recent years, homophobic attitudes and bullying remain a significant problem.
Parks' message is clear: every child deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are, and parents have a responsibility to protect their children from hate and discrimination. Her actions serve as an example for other parents and public figures to use their voices to promote a more inclusive and compassionate world.
This isn't the first time Parks has spoken out on social issues. She has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and women's empowerment. Her willingness to use her platform to address difficult topics has earned her the respect of many and solidified her position as a role model for her fans.
The incident involving Ayden serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and acceptance is far from over. However, with strong voices like Phaedra Parks leading the way, there is hope for a future where all children can grow up feeling safe, loved, and valued for who they are.
