After a down year, the Atlanta Falcons may make 30-sack defensive lineman David Onyemata available for a trade before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, the source believes Onyemata is the Falcons’ best trade asset, and there could be a situation where the team may move on. The defensive lineman was one of the several names named in an ESPN report earlier this offseason after having one of the worst campaigns. Onyemata was once a stalwart run-stuffer with a lot of pass-rushing abilities, but due to age, he’s been slowing down, so the Falcons may have to consider sooner or later what to do with him.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Manitoba product was one of the first from Canada to be selected by the New Orleans Saints. The defensive lineman had a few troubles in some of his years with the Saints, but was still a reliable stalwart to get after the quarterback. While the Falcons have been upgrading the defensive unit, they might be better off without Onyemata, and they can’t compensate for his next contract either way, since they don’t have much cap space. Either way, there should be a few championship rosters out there that may pursue him if the Falcons make him available, and these five teams may take a chance.
David Onyemata Contract
Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Malcolm Roach (97) and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) celebrate a stop on fourth down during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
RUMOR: Falcons May Put 30-Sack Veteran David Onyemata On Trade Block – 5 Suitors Emerge
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the worst interior defensive linemen heading into the 2025 season. Nnamdi Madubuike is the only one keeping both Travis Jones and Broderick Washington consistent. While the Ravens have the biggest need in the pass-rushing unit, the team should trade for Onyemata if he becomes available, if they can’t make a move for Jadeveon Clowney out of free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints might need to lean on their defense more than their depleting offense. There was a reason why they got Davon Godchaux in a trade this offseason%20in%20Boston%20sports.&text=The%20New%20England%20Patriots%20have,year%20kicks%20off%20Wednesday%20afternoon.), since Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders haven’t been as bright. While these two have some upside, they could take a swing on Onyemata as a reliable veteran presence to work alongside Chase Young and Cameron Jordan.
Dallas Cowboys
Despite improving the pass-rushing unit with Dante Fowler Jr. and Kenneth Walker, the Cowboys still need work in their interior. Solomon Thomas and Mazi Smith might hold this roster back, and the only way they can make a change is by getting Onyemata. Osa Odighizuwa signed an extension this offseason, but he needs help alongside him, and Onyemata could help.
Washington Commanders
Javon Kinlaw signing with the Commanders didn’t please many fans when it happened. The team did get some replacements in Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin after they lost Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason. If the Commanders want to win the Super Bowl, they should trade for more capable veterans, and Onyemata could fill the hole if Kinlaw doesn’t perform up to standards.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Panthers will probably endure the biggest turnaround this year. After signing Tershawn Wharton and Trevon Moehrig to salvage the defensive unit, the team is in a promising spot. They should continue to build on it while taking advantage to increase the likelihood that Derrick Brown will have a better year himself.