Arnold Ebiketie Emerges as a Surprising Trade Candidate for the Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have long been entwined in trade discussions, particularly involving quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, as the November 4 NFL Trade Deadline approaches, it appears that linebacker Arnold Ebiketie has unexpectedly surfaced as a notable trade candidate on ESPN’s latest list, taking many fans by surprise.
Ebiketie’s Rise to Trade Talks
In a landscape where Cousins has dominated the rumor mill since being benched last December, it is Ebiketie, a fourth-year edge rusher, who claims the No. 16 spot on ESPN’s ranking of potential trade targets. The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears have been highlighted as the most suitable destinations for the 2022 second-round pick. Though ESPN assigns a modest 25% likelihood to his potential trade, the rationale behind this speculation is grounded in the shifting dynamics within the Falcons’ defense.
“Ebiketie has had trade interest dating back to the offseason,” noted an ESPN report. With an expiring contract and the emergence of rookies James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, who are carving out their roles in the edge-rushing rotation, the Falcons are in a position to at least consider offers for the player.
Shifting Roles and Defensive Depth
Ebiketie’s playing time has diminished significantly as Pearce and Walker gain experience and confidence. While he has shown promise in the past, recording six sacks in each of his previous two seasons, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent edge threat this year, failing to register a sack thus far. With both Ebiketie and veteran Leonard Floyd set to hit free agency at the season’s end, the Falcons face a pivotal decision: re-sign one, both, or shift focus to promising talents like Bralen Trice.
Trice, who is recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him during his rookie season, is poised to compete for a spot in the edge-rushing lineup. The Falcons bolstered their edge position this offseason, investing in Pearce and Walker, which may steer them away from extending Ebiketie’s contract.
Trade Prospects and Future Considerations
The Cowboys, having acquired additional draft capital following a trade involving Micah Parsons, could be in a position to make a compelling offer, particularly with a fifth-round compensatory pick available. Meanwhile, the Bears possess eight draft selections, including a fourth-rounder from the Rams, making them another viable option for negotiations.
However, trading Ebiketie carries inherent risks, especially as the Falcons aim for a playoff push in the latter half of the season. The potential loss of depth in the edge-rushing department could complicate matters, particularly with Walker nursing injuries that have kept him sidelined. His questionable status for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins only adds to the team’s uncertainty.
Comparative Trade Odds
In a twist of irony, Cousins finds himself with a slightly lower chance of being traded at 20%, according to ESPN. While the Minnesota Vikings are cited as a potential fit, the Falcons seem unlikely to receive an offer that meets their valuation for Cousins. The juxtaposition of these two players—one a long-standing figure in trade discussions and the other a surprising candidate—highlights the unpredictable nature of team strategies as the trade deadline looms.
Ebiketie’s situation encapsulates the complexities of roster management in the NFL, where depth charts can shift rapidly, and decisions made today can ripple through future seasons. As the Falcons navigate these turbulent waters, the prospect of trading a once-promising pass rusher adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative of the franchise’s season.
