Falcons predicted to trade for $1.25 million Browns run-stopper to add veteran help

Yahoo

3 days ago

The Atlanta Falcons seem to believe they've figured things out offensively with all the essential pieces now in place. That's why they've gone hard the last two years beefing up the other side of the ball.
The Falcons have made six draft additions to their defensive front during that span. Last year's additions haven't quite worked out just yet, which is why they used not one, but two first-round picks in this year's draft — selecting Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. later at No. 26.
Still, some of the Falcons' lingering issues on the defensive front could persist this season. Not only is Atlanta banking on second-year unknowns and rookies, but they'll be without veteran Grady Jarrett, who was cut this offseason. That leaves the door open for veteran help up front.
AOL's Jordan O'Malley suggests one last-minute trade the Falcons could make before training camp is acquiring veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris.
'Harris isn't a star, but he's a dependable veteran run-stopper, and that's exactly what Atlanta lacks in the middle,' O'Malley wrote. 'Atlanta's run defense ranked 26th in 2024, and their current interior group needs more experience. Harris would slot in immediately and bring toughness and leadership to a defensive line that needs both.'
Harris will be entering his 11th NFL season. He's compiled 27.5 sacks and five forced fumbles throughout his career. He missed three games last season with an elbow injury. Financially, the move makes sense: the Falcons have just under $5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and Harris is owed $1.255 million in 2025.
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The Falcons' run defense left something to be desired last year. Statistically, they were around league average — ranking 15th in total rushing yards allowed (2,051), and surrendering 120.6 rushing yards per game. But the real problem came in critical moments. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, ranking Atlanta's defense 31st in the league.
Falcons beat writer Tori McElhaney addressed these concerns directly while responding to a fan question about whether the team had done enough to fix its rush defense.
'Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?'
Again, all the confidence in the 2025 Falcons is on the offensive side of the ball. The defense — not so much.