Buccaneers Rumors: 4 NFC South trades that need to happen before the deadline

Trade Number 2: The Falcons go all-in on 2023 and beyond by acquiring Justin Fields

The Falcons might end up being the Bucs' top competition for this division when it's all said and done. There are a lot of folks who think Atlanta will make a move at quarterback, whether that's replacing Desmond Ridder with veteran Taylor Heinicke or trading for another starter. If the Falcons improve the quarterback spot, they could be legitimate threats to taking the NFC South.

Defensively, the Falcons are one of the league's top units, ranking fourth overall in yards given up per game. They're set on that side of the ball, short of being able to sack the quarterback a bit more. But, if they really wanted to go out on a limb and fix the position, they could try forcing Justin Fields away from the Chicago Bears.

Now, Fields' latest thumb injury is definitely going to make things muddy. But, if Fields is not out for an extended period of time, the Falcons should try and strike. Chicago very well could end up with the no. 1 overall pick again this next year, whether it be due to their own record or the Panthers' (Chicago owns Carolina's pick thanks to the trade that landed them Bryce Young).

Chicago may go the route of going all-in on the tank, and thus drafting Caleb Williams. That would mean Fields is done in the navy and orange. But, in Atlanta and under Arthur Smith, with weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, Fields could finally blossom.