In five weeks the Atlanta Falcons will be kicking off their 2026 NFL season schedule against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A lot can happen in five weeks, which gives the Falcons enough time to make some moves in order to improve the roster weaknesses that they have going into the new season. The team could use that time to address the edge rusher position or possibly add a wide receiver.
The Falcons have plenty of salary cap space, but they could also get something done via trade. On that note, Bleacher Report has named backup linebacker JD Bertrand the team's top trade candidates.
"The Atlanta Falcons selected linebacker JD Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and they've gotten a decent return on their investment. The Notre Dame product
has appeared in 27 games with two starts and has recorded 58 tackles and a sack... However, the Falcons have revamped their inside linebacker rotation this offseason. They added Christian Harris, Channing Tindall, and Josh Woods. They also drafted Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr."
In a vacuum, the Falcons might get something they need in return for Bertrand, but all that would do is further deplete the depth of an off-ball linebacker group that wasn't very deep to begin with. Rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins have a ton of upside, but it's too early to know what the Falcons have in either player.
For now, Christian Harris looks to be the expected starter paired with Divine Deablo at this position, but nothing else beneath them on the depth chart has been settled. Until the Falcons figure out that they don't actually need Bertrand, they should probably keep him around.
As for what they might want in return, edge has to be at the top of their priority list right now.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: B/R names Falcons' top trade candidate entering 2026 season
