In a surprising move, the Falcons have agreed to trade for Rams’ wideout Van Jefferson. According to Ian Rapoport, it’s a 2025 pick swap of sixth and seventh-rounders.
Sources: The #Falcons have agreed to trade for #Rams WR Van Jefferson. It’s a 2025 pick swap — 6th and 7th rounders. They hope to recapture his play from 2021. A low-risk, high-reward deal. pic.twitter.com/r5eowZIWjC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 10, 2023
With the emergence of rookie star Puka Nacua and second-year Tutu Atwell, Jefferson’s role has shrunk after being a key contributor on the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl team.
Over five games, Jefferson has recorded just 108 yards on eight catches. With Cooper Kupp returning from injured reserve, he’s become expendable. The 27-year-old is in the final year of his rookie deal after being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Through three seasons, Jefferson has 101 catches for 1,499 yards and 10 touchdowns, with his best season coming in 2021 when he had career highs of 50 receptions, 802 yards and six touchdowns.
For the Falcons, this is a low-risk and potentially high-reward move. If it doesn’t work out, all it cost Atlanta was a measly sixth-round pick that is practically useless in today’s NFL. If it does work out, Terry Fontenot looks like a genius.
His speed brings an element that Arthur Smith’s offense has been missing through five games, but Falcons fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. It certainly could work out. More than likely, Van Jefferson’s time in Atlanta will mimic Bryan Edwards‘ stint, which was very short and forgettable.
—
You must log in to post a comment.