3 Reasons Why Brandon Aiyuk Isn’t a Good Fit for the Atlanta Falcons

The first obstacle to a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade is creating the necessary salary cap space. Atlanta could easily do that by cutting veterans and extending AJ Terrell. The problem isn’t creating the necessary salary cap space, it’s spending the rest of that space on a position you don’t need.

Aiyuk is an extremely talented player, but he doesn’t do much to move the team. If there’s one missing piece that’s keeping the Falcons from becoming a playoff team, it’s the lack of a proven pass rusher. Yes, there’s a chance Arnold Ebiketie or Bralen Trice could defy their draft positioning and become Atlanta’s primary pass rusher.

It’s possible, but not likely for a team that continues to ignore a position it’s needed for much of the last decade. It’s what’s allowed mediocre quarterbacks to dismantle your defense over the last two seasons. Opposing quarterbacks understand that they’ll often be able to sit in the pocket and wait for someone to open up. There’s no real urgency. Adding Aiyuk eliminates the possibility of making an acquisition to change that.