It would be stupid not to try. The Atlanta Falcons enter Week 9 at 5-3 and are in the midst of their best season since at least 2017. The Dirty Birds are 4-0 in the division and 5-1 against NFC opponents. However, they still need to strengthen the pass rush if they are serious about making a playoff push. Atlanta signed Matthew Judon to a contract with the New England Patriots before the start of the season.

There may be other names available at the trade deadline, but the name the Falcons should pursue most is The Athletic’s Dianna Russini ($), who was mentioned earlier. She mentioned that New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari could be available by next Tuesday. Atlanta, the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals have been linked to the former Georgia star.

Here’s what the Falcons might need to sign Ojulari in a trade deadline deal with the fading Giants.

Ojulari is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Giants. Before starring at Georgia and being a second-day pick by the G-Men, Ojulari had a brilliant high school football career at Marietta. For just a seventh-round pick, Ojulari has to be worth it. We would expect around $1.7 million to change hands between both teams. Atlanta has two seventh-round picks to choose from in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While former Georgia star and New York edge rusher Lorenzo Carter had ups and downs during his last run with the Falcons, the addition of a player of Ojulari’s caliber will help propel this unit to the top.

Atlanta has the roster that can take on anyone. The offense is both explosive and complementary and features a great combination of run and pass. While the defense gives up yards, it is largely of the “Bend Don’t Break” variety. Although catching the quarterback is still a problem, Atlanta has shown an innate ability to force turnovers at strategic times. This team is starting to come together.

Even if New York isn’t out yet, the Giants may have to accept that a player like Ojulari is headed in free agency anyway, possibly to his hometown Falcons. Getting even a seventh-round pick for Ojulari in a lost season for the team would be fair compensation in return. Again, how confident are we that Ojulari will be back with the Giants next year, regardless of who leads the franchise?

As a lifelong fan of this team, Atlanta’s trade for Ojulari would be on par with the Falcons trading Judon and then signing safety Justin Simmons in free agency. General manager Terry Fontenot may have different ideas about what he wants to do in the draft, but I usually agree with what he wants to do in free agency or as part of a trade. Ojulari is available and is exactly what the Falcons need.

It will be a Tuesday for the ages of humanity, with so much at stake in sport and life!