Arnold Ebiketie Trade Rumors Heat Up as Falcons Approach Deadline
As the NFL trade deadline looms just days away, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Currently holding a 3-4 record, they are facing a challenging stretch ahead, raising the question: will they emerge as buyers or sellers in the trade market? The outcome of their upcoming game against the New England Patriots could significantly impact their strategy moving forward.
Playoff Prospects Hang in the Balance
According to NFL NextGenStats, the Falcons’ chances of making the postseason currently sit at 17%. A victory on Sunday could elevate that figure to 26%, while a loss would plummet it to a mere 11%. These statistics weigh heavily on the minds of coaches and management as they consider potential roster changes ahead of the November 3rd deadline.
Ebiketie Emerges as a Trade Candidate
In light of these circumstances, ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been active in gauging the trade landscape, identifying players who may be on the move. Among those highlighted is edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, who has been described as an “under-the-radar” option. Fowler emphasized the interest surrounding Ebiketie, stating, “The Falcons don’t want to trade him but typically will listen to offers on players.”
Ebiketie, a former second-round pick out of Penn State, has shown flashes of potential during his time in Atlanta. Over the past four seasons, he has played in 57 games, making 12 starts, and has accumulated 114 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. However, his performance this season has been less than stellar, with only 21 tackles to date.
Roster Changes Influence Playing Time
The Falcons made significant investments in their edge rusher position during the off-season, bringing in veteran Leonard Floyd and rookie first-round picks James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. These additions have raised questions about Ebiketie’s role on the team moving forward. Despite playing in every game this season, his snap counts have remained steady at around 41%. With the emergence of the younger players, it’s possible that Ebiketie could see reduced playing time as the coaching staff looks to develop their rookies.
Future Uncertain for Ebiketie
As Ebiketie enters the final year of his rookie contract, his future in Atlanta remains uncertain. Hopes were high following a strong finish to the previous season, where he recorded five of his six total sacks in the last six games. However, his slow start this season has led to speculation that the Falcons may explore trade options before the deadline.
With the clock ticking down to November 3rd, the Falcons must weigh the benefits of retaining a player with Ebiketie’s potential against the realities of their current roster dynamics and playoff aspirations. The upcoming game against the Patriots not only carries playoff implications but could also dictate the trajectory of the Falcons’ season and their roster decisions as the trade deadline approaches.
