This is one of the more important weeks for the Falcons in quite some time. They have a real quarterback controversy on their hands, as Arthur Smith would not commit to who will start against the Vikings in Week 9. The trade deadline is also set for 4:00 PM ET on Tuesday.
For the first time in years, the Falcons should be buyers instead of sellers at the trade deadline. They’ve already been linked to premier pass rusher Montez Sweat, and those rumors should surely only heat up following the news that Grady Jarrett is out for the year with a torn ACL, which Arthur Smith addressed during his Monday press conference.
Grady Jarrett is out for the year after tearing his ACL, Arthur Smith confirms.
Said they won't replace him with one player. Said "all options are on the table" in terms of replacing Jarrett.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 30, 2023
The loss of Jarrett is a massive one. The production on the field is one thing, but his leadership in the locker room is even more difficult to replace. The Falcons won’t be able to fix this at the trade deadline, even through a blockbuster trade for a player like Montez Sweat.
Jarrett’s loss shouldn’t have too big of an impact on how the Falcons address the trade deadline. If they are to make a significant addition, it needs to come with the expectation the player they acquire will be extended past this season. Going “all in” with their current quarterback situation would be ridiculously negligent. If anything, the loss of Jarrett increases the odds that the Falcons will at least add some depth at the trade deadline across their defensive line.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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