Falcons didn’t receive any ‘concrete’ trade offers

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons didn't receive any "concrete" offers to trade down out of the 17th pick in the first round of the draft.

The Falcons have just five picks in this draft and some contended that they could trade their 17th pick to amass more picks. The Falcons used that pick to select safety Keanu Neal, a safety from Florida.

“We did a lot of calling around,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “A lot of us in the middle of the draft, there were no specific calls for this pick.”

The Falcons believed that they had to select Neal because he wouldn’t be around at the 50th pick in the draft. Pittsburgh and Carolina also had high interest in Neal and were ready to select him in the first round, too.

“There was a lot of action, a lot of calling action, but nothing concrete with anyone,” Dimitroff said. “I know that it happened at the early part of the draft, but in the middle and back, I don’t see anything happening.”

About the Author

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined for at least four games, Atlanta's outlook for the rest of the season is grim based on Cousins’ performances in 2025.

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

As Atlanta waits for a second opinion on its quarterback's knee, coach Raheem Morris turns team's focus to ending a five-game losing streak.

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

The Falcons, with injuries mounting, will have to rely more on backups, beginning Sunday at New Orleans.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

OPINION

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Why cell service, Wi-Fi have been spotty at ATL’s international terminal

There are several reasons why it has been tough to get reliable cell service and Wi-Fi access at Concourse F and the international terminal. A completed fix is coming soon.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Georgia’s top Republican US Senate candidates now back release of Epstein files

U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley say they back a bill in the U.S. House that to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.

Falcons put Penix on injured reserve; he’ll miss at least 4 games.

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.