Atlanta GA, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have traded a conditional seventh-round draft pick for offensive tackle Michael Jerrell from the Seattle Seahawks. This move follows injuries to key players on the offensive line, including starter Kaleb McGary and backup Storm Norton. Jerrell, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, brings valuable experience and depth to the Falcons’ roster as they finalize their 53-man squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Atlanta Falcons Trade Conditional Draft Pick for Offensive Tackle Michael Jerrell
The Atlanta Falcons have secured a new offensive tackle by trading a conditional seventh-round draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks for Michael Jerrell. This trade agreement comes just before the NFL’s roster reduction deadline, reflecting the Falcons’ urgent need for depth at the offensive tackle position amidst a series of player injuries.
Michael Jerrell, a sixth-round selection by the Seahawks in the 2024 NFL Draft, played 10 games during his rookie season. Out of those, he started in three, accumulating a total of 250 offensive snaps, which constituted 39% of Seattle’s offensive plays while he was on the field. During his time as a rookie, Jerrell primarily operated at the right tackle position, allowing three sacks over the course of the season.
The necessity for the Falcons to bolster their offensive line has grown due to injuries affecting key players. Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary suffered a leg injury towards the end of training camp and is expected to miss a significant amount of time, raising concerns of a potential placement on injured reserve. Additionally, Storm Norton, the backup tackle, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury requiring ankle surgery, which could keep him out for six to eight weeks.
In the wake of these injuries, offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson briefly filled in for McGary but opted out of the latest game against the Dallas Cowboys as a precaution. During that game, rookies Jack Nelson and free-agent signing Brandon Parker took most of the offensive snaps at tackle, highlighting the team’s thin depth in that department.
The Falcons are tasked with submitting their initial 53-man roster to the NFL by 4 p.m. ET on the upcoming Tuesday. Following the trade, McGary was placed on injured reserve when the roster was released Tuesday afternoon, further illustrating the urgency of Atlanta’s situation. The Falcons are also expected to finalize their practice squad by Wednesday as they work to restructure the team ahead of the regular season.
This trade is a strategic move by the Atlanta Falcons as they seek to navigate the challenges posed by injuries at the right tackle position. Head Coach Raheem Morris has noted the impact of preseason games in determining roster spots, and the management is actively looking for in-house solutions while preparing for upcoming games.
Background Context
The Atlanta Falcons have faced a myriad of challenges during the preseason, particularly concerning their offensive line. With injuries occurring to significant players, the need for an additional tackle became apparent. As training camp progressed, the Falcons evaluated various options and ultimately determined that acquiring Michael Jerrell from the Seahawks was an appropriate course of action. This trade signifies the team’s commitment to maintaining quality performance on the field, ensuring that they are equipped to contend effectively in the impending season.
FAQ
What prompted the Falcons to trade for Michael Jerrell?
Injuries to key players, specifically starting right tackle Kaleb McGary and backup Storm Norton, created a pressing need for additional depth at the offensive tackle position.
What did the Falcons give up in the trade?
The Falcons traded a conditional seventh-round draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Seahawks in exchange for Michael Jerrell.
What is Michael Jerrell’s background?
Michael Jerrell was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and played in 10 games during his rookie season, starting 3 and primarily playing at right tackle.
How did the Falcons perform in the latest game without McGary?
The Falcons relied on rookies Jack Nelson and Brandon Parker for offensive snaps at tackle during their recent game against the Cowboys while attempting to fill McGary’s absence.
What is the deadline for the Falcons to finalize their roster?
The Falcons must submit their initial 53-man roster to the NFL by 4 p.m. ET on the upcoming Tuesday, with additional roster management continuing into the following week.
Key Features of the Trade
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Agreement | Falcons send conditional 7th-round pick in 2027 for Jerrell |
| Player Background | Jerrell drafted by Seahawks in 2024, played 10 games as rookie |
| Falcons’ Need | Injuries to McGary and Norton create depth concerns |
| Falcons’ Roster Deadline | Initial 53-man roster due by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Falcons Trade for Tackle Help
- SI: ESPN Proposes Falcons Trade with Chiefs for Offensive Tackle Help
- The Falcons Wire: Falcons Trade with Chiefs
- Atlanta Falcons: Falcons Trade for Seahawks Offensive Tackle
- Newsweek: Falcons Acquire Seahawks Player in Trade
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons trade Michael Jerrell
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Falcons Trade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons news
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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