Examining four players Atlanta should consider targeting at NFL trade deadline.

The Atlanta Falcons got off to a relatively good start health-wise this season, but they’ve had some injuries and surprise cuts that could make them buyers at the NFL trade deadline. The team has been banged up at the wide receiver position all year, and Atlanta just released veteran Ray-Ray McCloud on Tuesday.

Plus, the Falcons have been without stud rookie cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. for the last two games. Bowman has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins with a hamstring injury. While Dee Alford has been solid, it never hurts to build on a strength. Atlanta currently has the NFL’s No. 1 ranked passing defense entering Week 8.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen put together a list of 25 trade candidates ahead of the league’s Nov. 4 deadline. We’ve highlighted four players from ESPN’s list that would make some sense for the Falcons below.

WR Jakobi Meyers – Raiders

Why Meyers makes sense for the Falcons: The Georgia native’s talents are currently going to waste in Las Vegas as the 2-5 Raiders continue to sink. The Falcons released McCloud earlier this week and Darnell Mooney has been fighting injuries all season. Meyers would give the team a quality third receiver and take some pressure off Mooney to play through injuries. Meyers has 29 catches for 329 receiving yards this season for the Raiders. Even if it’s just a one-year rental, adding a proven receiver would only help second-year QB Michael Penix Jr.

ESPN on Meyers’ availability: “Meyers wanted a new deal before the season and didn’t get one despite a trade request. He appears poised for 2026 free agency. He leads the Raiders in targets (42) despite missing Week 7, and he is drawing interest at an ideal time for a Raiders team in transition. But there’s no consensus leaguewide on exactly what Las Vegas will do. Multiple execs told me they believe the team is open to a deal but is not actively looking for trade partners.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

WR Jaylen Waddle – Dolphins

Why Waddle makes sense for the Falcons: Similar to Meyers, Waddle’s season is going to waste on a 1-6 Miami team. Tyreek Hill is out for the season and the Dolphins are headed nowhere fast. The contract would be the real obstacle here, and the Falcons would need to get creative. Could team package tight end Kyle Pitts and a few other assets to acquire the player selected two spots after Pitts in 2021? It’s highly unlikely, but Waddle and Drake London would form arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL if so.

ESPN on Waddle’s availability: “This is a similar situation to Hendrickson: The team does not plan to trade the player, but interest is there. While Miami could be tempted to trade players due to its 1-6 record, Waddle is a building block on offense, and he’s due $36.1 million in cash over 2025-26 — reasonable for a high-end receiver these days. Multiple league execs expect the Dolphins’ no-trade stance to stand, barring a surprise.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

CB Roger McCreary – Titans

Why McCreary makes sense for the Falcons: McCreary has the kind of versatility that could help this Falcons secondary as injuries pile up over the back half of the season. Rookie Billy Bowman Jr. has thrived, but he’s missed the last two games due to injury and has been ruled out again for Week 8. Adding another proven veteran to this defense isn’t a bad idea, and it doesn’t sound like McCreary would cost a whole lot.

ESPN on McCreary’s availability: “Similar to Key, McCreary is a defensive starter who doesn’t fit the long-term plans of a team in transition. His name circulated in trade buzz at roster cutdowns too. He’s a reliable corner who can play inside or outside — traits that typically elicit some type of trade interest, even if just for Day 3 pick swaps.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

CB Riq Woolen – Seahawks

Why Woolen makes sense for the Falcons: Woolen is someone who could serve as the team’s long-term No. 2 cornerback behind A.J. Terrell. The 26-year-old has 11 career interceptions but he’s somewhat dropped off since his Pro Bowl rookie season. If he could be acquired for an affordable price, Woolen is certainly worth considering. The only question here is whether or not the Falcons feel they need someone like Woolen. Mike Hughes has performed admirably this season and has two years left on his deal.

ESPN on Woolen’s availability: “Multiple league execs have Woolen earmarked as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline… Woolen would be best served going to a team that can use his man-coverage traits. One potential hurdle to a deal: Seattle’s other starting corner, Devon Witherspoon, has had a difficult time staying healthy this season.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN