The first suggestion of the Atlanta Falcons trading veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson came from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. The idea probably won’t be going away until at least the start of the regular season.
Heavy.com’s Evan Reier identified Patterson as a trade target for the Dallas Cowboys on June 24. Reier then proposed the Cowboys acquiring Patterson in an exchange for defensive lineman Neville Gallimore.
“In terms of potential trade pieces, the Cowboys could “kill two birds with one stone” by dealing defensive lineman Neville Gallimore,” Reier wrote. “Gallimore has been a reliable role player for Dallas, but is entering the last year of his contract and could help the Falcons as a DT while they also save a bit of money by offloading Patterson’s contract.”
Heavy.com’s Jonathan Adams explored the possibility of Gallimore being a cut candidate for the Cowboys this offseason.
With the Falcons, Gallimore would be another solid addition to the rebuild Falcons defensive line.
The Cowboys drafted Gallimore in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. In 2022, he had 33 combined tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 sack. He also had 1 pass defense while playing 37% of Dallas’ defensive snaps.
In Atlanta, he could play a little more as a reserve player behind Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata. He offers more future upside than Patterson, who is 32 years old and a free agent at the end of the season.
Gallimore will also be a free agent next March, but he doesn’t turn 27 until January.
The question, though, isn’t whether the Falcons could use Gallimore; it’s about if they are willing to depart with Patterson. Although he may not be on the team beyond this season, he’s still extremely valuable to the Falcons as a versatile contributor and leader.
Patterson can play either running back or wide receiver. If the Falcons enter the season with depth concerns at either position, he can fill the hole.
He also returns kickoffs and covers punts on special teams.
Patterson is a lot more than just a No. 3 running back on the depth chart. It may take more than a depth defensive lineman for the Falcons to depart with him.
Not going to happen.
Yeah, we pretty much agree. CP is more important than just his on field value. Would need to be a 10+ sack edge player for me to be interested.