The NFL Draft is still weeks away, and there’s already been a ton of action involving some of the top picks. More changes could be coming, specifically involving the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round selection.

Teams have made trade calls to the Falcons regarding their No. 4 overall pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Atlanta is “open to moving” out of the fourth spot, according to the report.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are almost certainly going to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the top pick in the draft. After trading Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets are expected to take BYU’s Zach Wilson. The San Francisco 49ers moved up from No. 12 to No. 3 overall, likely with the intention of grabbing a quarterback.

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, Ohio State's Justin Fields and North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance are projected to be first-round picks. With five quarterbacks potentially going off the board within the top 10 picks, Atlanta could potentially field some valuable offers.

Falcons starter Matt Ryan is signed through the 2023 season. Ryan's contract includes a $40.5 million dead cap in 2022, meaning he’s likely to remain with the Falcons for at least two more years.

Ryan went 4-12 as a starter in the 2020 season, posting a losing record for the third straight season. The 35-year-old threw for 26 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and had a 93.3 passer rating.

There’s a chance the Falcons will hold onto the No. 4 pick and take their quarterback of the future. Lance would likely be Atlanta’s selection if the team decides to take Ryan’s successor, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

The Falcons were an average offensive team last season. Only three teams gave up more points than Atlanta.

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to dump the ball off as he is pressured in the pocket by the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
RELATED STORIES