Falcons roster breakdown: Atlanta trades for DT ahead of 2026 draft

TL;DR

The Atlanta Falcons traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith. This move aims to strengthen their run defense ahead of the 2026 draft.

Key points

Atlanta Falcons traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars
In exchange, they received defensive tackle Maason Smith
Smith aims to improve the Falcons' run defense
The Falcons have limited draft capital with only five picks
General manager Ian Cunningham is making creative roster moves

Atlanta FalconsJacksonville JaguarsRuke OrhorhoroMaason Smith

The Atlanta Falcons completed a trade with the Jaguars on Friday, sending Ruke Orhorhoro to Jacksonville in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith. Orhorhoro, a former 2024 second-round pick, was leapfrogged by defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus in the lineup last season.

Smith, who was also drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, can help Atlanta's run defense and provide depth on the interior of the defensive line. The Falcons needed a true nose tackle, which is why the trade made sense for first-year general manager Ian Cunningham.

Over the last two seasons, Smith has appeared in 24 games, recording 32 tackles (14 solo) and three sacks. The 23-year-old has a chance to start in Atlanta this season.

The team has just five total picks in this year's draft, starting in the second round. This lack of draft capital has forced Cunningham to get creative. The Falcons previously swapped fourth- and sixth-round picks with the Philadelphia Eagles for safety Sydney Brown.

Check out the Falcons' updated roster following their trade for Smith below (new additions in bold).