Is a productive LB part of the Falcons’ trade plans? There are numerous reasons to enjoy the Atlanta Falcons’ offense in 2024. Seriously, this team should get points. However, the defense will have to do its part as well, and the Falcons have two of their three prospective trade prospects on that side of the ball as they prepare for the 2024 training camp. Nate Landman, a linebacker, is among the top trade candidates. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is entering his third NFL season. He appeared in 16 games last season, recording 110 tackles and a pair of sacks.
That’s decent production, but he’s second on the depth chart behind Kaden Elliss and Troy Anderson. Donavan Mutin is also in the mix.
Other trade options include cornerback/running back Avery Williams and safety Richie Grant.
Where does LB Nate Landman fit in the Falcons’ plans? First, Landman performed above average last season. That is not something that will get a player traded. However, the Falcons only signed him for one year, thus their film study may not indicate Landman’s long-term viability.
Overall, the inside linebacker corps is deep, which head coach Raheem Morris described as “an awesome problem” for the Falcons.
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“It’s so fun to watch them communicate, to watch them do different things,” Morris told me. “They have various styles of play. They had speed variances. They have a variety of items. …
“It’ll be exciting to get them on the field. Perhaps all at the same moment. Because they possess the type of ability that justifies increased play time. And the only way to acquire additional playtime? You become inventive. “You become innovative.”
Atlanta’s 3-4 defense has two middle linebackers, which bodes well for Landman. But Atlanta selected JD Bertrand from Notre Dame in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. According to Pro Football Focus, Bertrand is a bright and competitive linebacker.
(Who) adds value in coverage and as a pass rusher.” Bertrand’s entrance complicates Landman’s efforts to remain in the running. 
Landman receives teammate support. Elliss expressed his excitement about playing alongside players like himself.
“I love playing with Troy (Andersen), I love playing with Nate,” Elliss went on. “Because they’ll chip in my ear before the snap, just a reminder of our jobs, a reminder of an adjustment, a reminder of, ‘Hey, this is coming next, and if they motion like this, this is what we got to do.'” Just tiny reminders to keep you on your toes, prepared to play, and able to play as quickly as possible.”
Landman’s hard-nosed — some say “nasty — play would make him a valuable piece in a trade scenario, especially coming off a productive 2023 season. CB Avery Williams fighting to stick around
His value goes beyond the defensive unit, and that makes Williams a viable option if the Falcons look for a trade partner.
In his first two seasons, the 5-9, 195-pounder totaled 77 punt and kickoff returns with over 1,200 yards. However, Williams missed the 2023 season with an injury in OTAs.
He’s back for this year, but will he claim the same role from two years ago? Ray-Ray McCloud III came in from San Francisco, bringing his kick-returning skills along for the ride.
Williams told atlantafalcons.com he’s looking forward to the challenges, and wanted to get back on the field fast.
“After the injury, you start to realize the small things like just being grateful to be out here,” Williams said. “Even when we have a lot of reps, or there might be hard days here and there, I’m grateful to just have the ability to get tired out here. I could be out here watching all the time like I did last year. There’s a certain amount of aches or anxiousness that comes with not being able to help or participate, not being able to help your teammates that are out there working their butts off. I’m grateful that I was able to be around for many reasons, but mainly to be around my friends, my teammates, every single day and still feel a part of the team.”
The major injury hasn’t deterred Williams’ hopefulness.
“You’ve seen guys who have had big, big injuries and they’re not around until they’re healed and come back, but I couldn’t imagine that,” he said.
Versatility will help Williams make the roster as a fourth-string running back, but it also makes him valuable as a trade asset.
Safety Richie Grant trying to hold his own
One thing that weighs in Grant’s favor is his ability to suit up every Sunday. He’s been in the league for three seasons and played in 50 out of a possible 51 games.
In 2022, he recorded 123 tackles and two interceptions. Last year, he had 103 tackles but added his first three NFL sacks.
Another factor influencing his decision to stay in Atlanta is public support from new coach Raheem Morris, who told si.com Grant has surprised him.
“I told Richie when I got here that I was wrong on him,” Morris informed us. “I didn’t imagine he could play as well as he does. And he’s performed pretty well and performs some wonderful things, including solid tackles. I was clearly in a different place when I evaluated him. But he has shown me a lot of really wonderful stuff on tape.”
Grant, 6-0, 200-pounder, has been excellent against the run game but struggled.
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