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NFL analyst grades Falcons' offseason trade with Eagles
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- NFL analyst grades Falcons' offseason trade with Eagles
The Atlanta Falcons hired general manager Ian Cunningham at the start of the 2026 NFL offseason and his early moves have been well received by the fans. Cunningham inherited a talented roster, but he has been limited by the team's lack of salary cap space and limited draft capital.
Thus far, the first-year GM has stuck to his plan of elevating the floor of the roster. The team signed several free agents to veteran minimum contracts, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa . However, Cunningham's trade for former Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown was arguably his savviest move yet.
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Despite the team's lack of draft capital -- five total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft -- the Falcons swapped fourth- and sixth-round picks with the Eagles to acquire the 26-year-old safety.
The Falcons received a B-minus from NFL.com's Kevin Patra in a new feature grading all 21 offseason trades. Patra praised Atlanta for adding much-needed secondary depth at a bargain rate, while the Eagles also received a B-minus grade.
"The Falcons are taking a cheap flier on a versatile defensive back who has spent time in the slot and at safety," wrote Patra . "After Atlanta lost nickel Dee Alford this offseason, the addition of Brown gives the Falcons' secondary some depth behind Billy Bowman Jr., who figures to get the first crack at slot snaps if he successfully recovers from last November's Achilles injury. Brown also brings special teams ability to ATL."
Brown, a former third-round pick, has appeared in 42 games (nine starts) over the last three seasons, recording 86 tackles (55 solo), five passes defended, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Considering the price, it's a low-risk, high-reward move by Cunningham.
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"He'll count just $1.53 million against the cap, with no guaranteed money," Patra added. "Given that it only cost a couple Day 3 pick swaps, it's worth the depth for the Falcons."
Cunningham will have to wait until Day 2 of the draft to make his first selection. Atlanta currently has pick Nos. 48, 79, 122, 215 and 231. The team has met with over 20 prospects. Follow our 2026 Falcons draft tracker to keep up with each pre-draft visit.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons earn B- grade for Sydney Brown trade
