Falcons Trade Bijan Robinson to Bears for No. 1 Pick in Mock Deal
The Atlanta Falcons have been named as a potential trade partner for the Chicago Bears. But it isn't for who you think.
In a recent article from NFL.com's Ali Bhanpuri, he came up with four different proposals to see the Bears once again trade the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Among teams like the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and New York Giants were the Falcons, who have been recently linked with their current starting quarterback, Justin Fields.
However, instead of simply trading for Fields, in a deal that may see the Falcons give up a draft pick as early as Day 2, Bhanpuri has the Falcons swinging for the fences, trading up seven spots to obtain the first pick.
Falcons Receive:
- 2024 first-round (No. 1) pick
- Khalil Herbert, RB
Bears Receive:
- 2024 first-round (No. 8) pick
- 2024 third-round (No. 74) pick
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 second-round pick
Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot (left), coach Raheem Morris (middle), and owner Arthur Blank (right).
Clutchpoints
After a third-straight 7-10 season, which this time could be considered a disappointment, the Falcons need to find a franchise quarterback to get back into playoff contention.
It is hard to argue against the Falcons wanting to trade up for a signal-caller after last season saw Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke prove unable to provide consistent winning results. As things stand, it seems very unlikely that the Falcons would have one of the top-three projected quarterbacks fall to them, as the three teams with the top-three picks could all draft a signal-caller.
This could prove troublesome for the Falcons, as it'd likely mean they would have to wait until later in the draft to find a quarterback. Considering how their last attempt at a "developmental" quarterback in Ridder went, the Falcons may be weary of putting their eggs in that basket, which makes an argument in favor of trading for the No. 1 pick.
However, not only would the Falcons be giving up the No. 8 pick and next year's first-rounder, but they'd also give up running back Bijan Robinson and two Day-2 picks. This is a steep price for a roster that isn't exactly in "win-now" mode.
Even though there can be a debate about whether the Falcons "needed" Robinson when they selected him No. 8 overall last year, the former Texas Longhorn makes Atlanta's roster attractive. Robinson is one of three first-round weapons that the Falcons have at their disposal, a trio that also includes receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Would they want to give up one of their top young weapons to land a rookie quarterback?
Some will undoubtedly say yes to the proposal, as the Falcons still have Tyler Allgeier, who set the franchise's rookie rushing record in the season before Robinson's selection.
While adding a rookie quarterback to grow alongside the Falcons' already young core is attractive. This offseason's free agent market could net them an experienced, proven starter like Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson, who could help shift Atlanta back into Super Bowl contention without going "all in."
