Though it’s still a mystery as to why, the Atlanta Falcons released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud from the team on October 21. That move now creates a glaring hole on offense — one that could be addressed before the November 4 trade deadline.
McCloud appeared in just four games during the 2025 season before being a healthy scratch for the past two matchups against the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. His absence wasn’t as noticeable in the win over Buffalo, but the loss to the 49ers told a different story.
Now, despite Falcons head coach Raheem Morris saying there was “nothing dire” the team was actively searching for on the market, it’s clear this offense needs another option at receiver.
If the Falcons truly want to make an impact and boost their attack by giving quarterback Michael Penix Jr. another weapon in his first year as starter, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall believes Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle is the “most exciting option.”
Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle Listed as Top Target for Falcons
The more the Miami Dolphins continue to unravel each weekend, the louder the trade talk grows — and Jaylen Waddle is one of the names most often mentioned.
The good news for Atlanta is they’ll get an up-close look at him in Week 8 when the Dolphins visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“The No. 6 pick in the 2021 draft has 30 catches for 405 yards and three touchdowns this season, but he could be available if the struggling Dolphins decide to rebuild,” Kendall wrote. “He would be expensive, though — probably too expensive for Atlanta. In addition to requiring a big return in the trade, Waddle will have a cap hit of more than $80 million over the next three seasons.”
The price tag will definitely be an issue for Atlanta. The team is already taking a $35 million hit paying backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. They’ll also need to decide whether to extend wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts — not to mention the eventual new deal for running back Bijan Robinson.
Then comes the matter of what Miami would want in return, which would almost certainly be draft capital — something the Falcons currently lack. Atlanta is projected to have just five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with none in the first round.
Atlanta Falcons Have Desperate Need at WR
Whether it’s Waddle — who has a career 24 total touchdowns — or another wideout, the Falcons need more than just Drake London if they hope to finally make it back to the playoffs. He’s far and away leading the pack with 38 receptions for 469 yards and two touchdowns. Behind him is Robinson, who’s second on the team with 39 catches for 390 yards and two scores.
The rest of the roster has combined for just 18 receptions, with tight end Kyle Pitts sitting third in receiving yards (285) and one touchdown.
Darnell Mooney was a proven second or third option in 2024, but injuries have limited him this season. Meanwhile, the Falcons would love for Casey Washington to emerge as a reliable target, but the second-year receiver has yet to take that step.
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