Falcons, Jaguars Make Surprise Trade 6 Days Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly agreed to a trade with less than a week remaining before the start of the 2026 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons sent defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith on Friday.

Orhorhoro appeared in all 17 games with Atlanta last season, finishing with 3.5 sacks.

He also racked up 25 tackles, six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and one pass defended.

The Falcons initially selected Orhorhoro with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, adding him with the No. 35 overall choice.

He suited up in eight games as a rookie, recording 11 tackles.

As for Smith, he was also picked in the second round of the 2024 draft. The Jaguars acquired him with the No. 48 overall selection.

Smith started off in a rotational role as a rookie before eventually earning a starting spot to close out the year. He amassed 17 tackles, four quarterback hits and three sacks in 11 games.

The former LSU standout struggled to carve out a larger role during his sophomore season in Jacksonville, playing just 36 percent of the Jaguars' defensive snaps in 2025 after he was on the field for 51 percent of their defensive snaps in 2024 (via Pro Football Reference).

Both teams will be hoping that the change of scenery can be beneficial for the two defensive tackles, as Smith and Orhorhoro are still 23 years old and 24 years old respectively.

Following Friday's trade, the Falcons and Jaguars will continue preparing for the 2026 draft on Thursday.