NFL Trade Ideas: potential fits for contending teams
By Jon Dove
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (90) against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons
Deal: Atlanta acquires Jeremiah Ratliff from the Chicago Bears for a 7th Round Pick
Dan Quinn has the Atlanta Falcons playing some inspired football, but that isn’t going to be enough to put them over the edge. His defense might need a little more talent in order to unseat the Carolina Panthers as division champions.
There’s no question this team as the offensive firepower to make a playoff run so it’s up to the front office to get some help for the defense.
Generating pressure on the quarterback is the key for most defensive units. Atlanta is relying on young players like Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman to get after the quarterback. There are a few options out there for the Falcons to target.
The most impactful might be the Jeremiah Ratliff of the Chicago Bears. Ratliff is currently serving a three-game suspension but when on the field is a disruptive force. The Bears are clearly in rebuilding mode and shouldn’t have a problem unloading a veteran player to get more time for the youngsters on the roster.
Atlanta has around $10 million in salary cap space available with Ratliff owed $1.8 million this season, according to sportrac.com.