The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and contenders have already started stocking up on players who can help them during the stretch run of the regular season. Yesterday the Seattle Seahawks traded for superstar guard Quenton Nelson, while the San Francisco 49ers brought back defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
The Atlanta Falcons don't need to make any splashy, headline-grabbing trades to win their division and pose as a dark-horse threat in the Wild Card round to NFC contenders.
However, they could use some more depth at a few key spots. With that in mind, they may want to consider bringing back former wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who's languishing on the sidelines most of the time with the Tennessee Titans. Mike Jones at The Athletic has
named Ridley among 10 potential trade targets to watch around the league.
"The eighth-year veteran has seen his role in the Titans offense diminish this season. Targeted just 10 times, Ridley has five catches for 81 yards but averages 16.2 yards per reception. A savvy veteran, he could make the transition to a new system midseason, unlike some young wideouts."
Ridley is not the supremely productive pass catcher that he was when the Falcons drafted him back in 2018. In fact, he hasn't scored a single touchdown since 2024.
The Falcons don't need Ridley to serve as Robin to Julio Jones' Batman anymore, though. They do need a legitimate third option at wide receiver behind Drake London and Jahan Dotson. Olamide Zaccheaus was never going to cut it there and they are bringing rookie Zachariah Branch along too slowly for him to fill that role the way they need.
Matt Ryan has made a habit of bringing back former Falcons teammates, including Zaccheaus and tight end Austin Hooper. Ridley would continue that trend and give them legitimate depth at a critical position - and odds are they can get him for a late Day 3 pick.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons should target familiar face at NFL trade deadline
