The Falcons have acquired wide receiver Van Jefferson from the Los Angeles Rams. As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the trade involved late-round picks for the 2025 season in a transaction that has been officially announced by both teams.
The Falcons are hoping to revive Van Jefferson’s career. In 2021, the 6-foot-1 wideout recorded an impressive 802 yards on 50 catches with six touchdowns. It’s a calculated move with while they strive for increased offensive potency led by Desmond Ridder as they chase an NFC South title.
Despite the Falcons operating primarily as a run-first offense, they boast a talented pass-catching group, and Jefferson’s arrival is set to bolster an ensemble already featuring Drake London and tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith.
Van Jefferson Traded to Falcons as Emergence of New Talents Alters Rams’ Lineup
Van Jefferson’s departure from the Rams became imminent due to the emergence of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, which left him as the odd man out in the rotation. He was subsequently traded to the Falcons in a swap involving 2025 late-round picks, specifically sixth- and seventh-rounders.
Before Kupp’s return, Van Jefferson had already been struggling to make a significant impact. Puka Nacua’s electrifying early-season performances and Tutu Atwell’s emergence as a threat pushed Jefferson down the depth chart.
In the first four games of the season, he could only manage eight catches for 108 yards, an output that was roughly equivalent to what Nacua could achieve in a single game. This situation had relegated Jefferson to the role of the No. 4 receiver with the Rams.
