Falcons Spark Trade Frenzy: Target Trio of Cornerbacks Ahead of Deadline Showdown
As the NFL’s trade deadline approaches on November 4th, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a favorable position to make strategic acquisitions, particularly in the cornerback position. Currently holding a 3-3 record, the Falcons are gearing up for an important matchup against the Miami Dolphins, with hopes of improving to 4-4 by the time the deadline rolls around.
Potential Trade Targets
ESPN has identified three cornerbacks that the Falcons could target, positioning Atlanta as a strong contender for their services. The players in question are:
Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks
Michael Carter II of the New York Jets
Roger McCreary of the Tennessee Titans
Each of these players presents unique qualities that could enhance the Falcons’ defensive lineup.
Riq Woolen’s Uncertain Future in Seattle
Woolen, a standout cornerback for the Seahawks, has been viewed as a prime trade candidate. Despite Seattle’s current 5-2 record and aspirations for a playoff run, there are whispers that he may not fit into head coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme. League executives indicate that the Seahawks have been considering moving Woolen for some time. “He doesn’t fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do,” noted one executive. This leaves many wondering if Seattle can afford to lose a talented player at such a critical position, especially given the injury concerns surrounding fellow starter Devon Witherspoon. ESPN places the probability of Woolen being traded at around 50%, with the Falcons listed among the top contenders alongside the Lions, Eagles, and Buccaneers.
Michael Carter II’s Ties to Atlanta
Carter has been linked to the Falcons previously, particularly during the offseason when Atlanta was seeking additional depth in its secondary. With the Jets in a rebuilding phase, ESPN suggests a 45% likelihood of Carter being moved, again naming the Eagles and Falcons as potential landing spots. While Carter may not boast a highlight reel full of splash plays, his strength and competitive nature make him a valuable asset in slot coverage, as well as a reliable run defender.
Roger McCreary’s Contract Situation
As a starter for the Titans, McCreary finds himself in the final year of his contract with a team facing uncertainty. With the Titans unlikely to make a deep playoff run, they may prefer to trade McCreary for draft capital rather than risk losing him in free agency. ESPN rates the probability of McCreary being traded at 35%, with the Packers and Cardinals also mentioned as possible suitors.
Challenges in the Trade Market
While the Falcons are actively seeking to bolster their secondary, they face challenges in the trade market. Their limited draft capital, with only five picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, contrasts sharply with teams like the New England Patriots, who hold ten picks. This scarcity of assets could complicate negotiations for any potential deals.
Internal Competition for Right Tackle
The Falcons are also on the lookout for help at the right tackle position. With the return of swing tackle Storm Norton on the horizon, they are hopeful that he can provide the necessary competition for Eli Wilkinson. However, this move may still be a week away. Interestingly, the Falcons have not been linked to any available wide receivers, despite recently releasing Ray-Ray McCloud and hoping for Darnell Mooney’s return to form.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline nears, the Atlanta Falcons are poised to make moves that could significantly impact their season. With a focus on strengthening their cornerback depth and addressing other needs, Atlanta’s front office is prepared to explore all options to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the second half of the season.
Giants Bring Back Former Draft Pick After Expected Roster Cut
The New York Giants kicked off Week 8 with news of multiple roster moves, ahead of their rematch with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
The Giants upset the Eagles in Week 6, but now they’ll have to head into the belly of the beast to do it all over again, traveling to Philadelphia this weekend. Before this highly anticipated faceoff, Big Blue will make a few roster moves.
Each of these moves was reported on Tuesday, October 21, and one was expected after the way Week 7 ended in Denver.
“SOURCES: Giants cut K Jude McAtamney, I’m told,” New York Post beat reporter Ryan Dunleavy noted on Tuesday.
“He missed 3 PATs,” the reporter reminded. Adding: “[McAtamney] can return to [the] practice squad without taking up a roster spot because of international exemption, but not sure if that’s the plan yet. So, either Younghone Koo or Graham Gano [will kick] this week.”
Prior to Dunleavy’s announcement, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported on the 53-man roster signing that has ousted McAtamney.
“Here’s an example of why you can’t carry hard feelings in the NFL: The Giants are signing CB Korie Black to their active roster off the [New York] Jets’ practice squad, per source,” Duggan relayed.
Continuing: “A seventh-round pick by the Giants this year, Black made the initial 53-man roster. But he was waived the day after cut day as the Giants did roster gymnastics. They planned to sign him back to their practice squad, but he instead elected to sign with the Jets’ P-squad.
“Black was elevated for two games to play special teams with the Jets before being poached back by the Giants. Giants have a need at corner with Paulson Adebo dealing with a knee injury, and they obviously like Black’s long-term potential.”
Korie Black Returns as Giants Reclaim Their 2025 Draft Pick in Week 8 News
As Duggan stated, Black surprisingly snubbed the Giants for an opportunity with the Jets after the 53-man roster cutdown.
That initially meant that NYG general manager Joe Schoen wasted a 2025 seventh-round pick, although seventh-round picks tend to be fliers anyway.
However, now that Black is returning in Week 8, all is set right again for Schoen and his 2025 draft class.
It’ll be interesting to see if and when the rookie suits up for the Giants. The early assumption is that Black will be inactive as the Giants square off with the Eagles.
Giants Re-Sign DL Cut Elijah Garcia in Additional Roster Move Ahead of Eagles Clash
The third Giants roster move on October 21 was also reported by Duggan.
“The Giants are re-signing DL Elijah Garcia to the practice squad, per source,” he informed. “Garcia was cut Saturday to make room for OLB Victor Dimukeje’s activation from the PUP list. [He] has appeared in four games this season.”
Garcia has been a member of the Big Blue organization since the start of the 2024 campaign.
He’s worked his way up the NYG ladder as serviceable defensive line depth, and he’ll continue to play that role moving forward, should the Giants need him.
Unfortunately, the Giants have already spent all three of Garcia’s regular season practice squad elevations in 2025, but they could always re-sign him to the active roster. Now that Garcia passed through waivers once, it appears likely that he’d do so again, in the event Big Blue has to do more roster gymnastics.
The veteran defensive lineman is 27 years old, with 1.0 sack and 1 tackle for a loss over his four 2025 outings.
