The Atlanta Falcons, sitting at 3-6 after a Week 9 loss to Cincinnati, replace struggling kicker Nick Folk with Jake Moody, who was signed from the Ravens’ practice squad. Folk missed five field goals this season, including a miss against the Bengals, prompting his release. Moody, who made a 53‑yard FG for Baltimore last Sunday, joins the 53‑man roster as the new primary kicker ahead of a Week 10 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. The move underscores Atlanta’s urgency to stabilize special teams while its offense, led by Michael Penix Jr., continues to sputter.
Mike McCarthy inherits a Steelers tradition of post‑bye success. While Tomlin’s teams went 17‑5 after a week off, McCarthy boasts a 12‑5 record (a .706 win rate) in similar games, outperforming the league’s .561 average since 2007. The upcoming Week 10 clash with the Bengals could decide the AFC North lead, as both clubs arrive after solid victories—Pittsburgh’s 21‑point win over Cleveland and Cincinnati’s 34‑17 over Atlanta. The article also notes the Steelers are 12‑9 on the road after a bye and split 3‑3 in Cincinnati since Joe Burrow’s arrival, underscoring the stakes for McCarthy’s early tenure.
The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran kicker Nick Folk, 42, after nine games in 2026 where he converted 13 of 18 field‑goal attempts and 17 of 18 extra points. Atlanta signs Jake Moody from the Ravens’ practice squad as Folk’s replacement. Folk, a former sixth‑round pick in 2007, has bounced around the league—Dallas, Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots, Titans, and a one‑year deal with the Jets in 2025—before signing a two‑year contract with the Falcons earlier this year.
The article evaluates Atlanta’s bullpen‑to‑rotation prospects and free‑agent options as the Braves plan their 2027 staff. Veteran left‑hander Martin Perez, who posted a 9‑9 record with a 3.04 ERA before a back injury, and right‑hander Tyler Mahle, who delivered a 1.99 ERA in nine regular‑season starts and strong postseason outings, are likely to re‑sign, with Mahle eyeing a multi‑year deal. Meanwhile, 21‑year‑old Didier Fuentes—who logged a 2.05 ERA in 70.1 relief innings with a triple‑digit fastball—and 23‑year‑old AJ Smith‑Shawver emerge as high‑upside candidates to fill rotation spots. The piece weighs their 2026 performances, injury history, and clubhouse value to gauge how the Braves must supplement their core for 2027.
The Atlanta Falcons add kicker Jake Moody to their 53-man roster, signing him off Baltimore's practice squad. Moody, 26, previously filled in for the Ravens in Week 9, converting a 53‑yard field goal and an extra point. A 2023 third‑round pick of the 49ers, he has bounced between San Francisco, Chicago, Washington and Baltimore, most recently signing a one‑year deal with the Commanders before being waived. The Falcons' move gives Moody his first stable NFL roster spot of the season.
As the 49ers regroup after a 29-20 loss to the Falcons, trade deadline rumors swirl around star receiver Mike Evans, who battles Achilles tendinitis. Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn applauds the front office’s openness to deals, but insiders like X’s David Lombardi caution that a player of Evans’ caliber isn’t on the market. GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan continue scouting WR depth, yet the team’s short‑term hopes hinge on keeping Evans healthy rather than pulling off a blockbuster trade.
General manager Howie Roseman is cashing in Eagles veterans for future draft capital. On Monday, Philadelphia traded defensive tackle Jordan Davis to Jacksonville for a 2027 first‑rounder and a 2029 second‑round pick. The next day, edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie heads to Cincinnati for a 2027 sixth‑round selection, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ebiketie, a 2022 second‑round pick who recorded 25 tackles, two QB hits and limited snaps in the Eagles’ recent loss to the Giants, was a former Falcons sack‑producer. With Davis’s deal, the Eagles now hold ten first‑ or second‑round picks over the next three drafts, signaling a possible rebuild.
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly the front‑runner to acquire Indianapolis Colts wideout Josh Downs before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. Sources say the Chiefs could offer a fourth‑round pick for the 25‑year‑old, who has 33 catches for 354 yards and one TD in nine games. Kansas City, now 6‑2 after a 35‑12 win over the Jets, seeks to boost its receiving corps ahead of a Week 10 road game against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the 2‑7 Colts, amid a five‑game skid, are weighing Downs as part of a broader rebuild that has already seen veterans like Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner depart.
Nearly a decade on, trading Luka Dončić's draft rights continues to haunt the Atlanta Hawks.
Anthony Molina’s 2026 season turned into a rare win‑win trade. After the Braves claimed him off waivers in December 2025 and used him only four times—two outings at Truist Park, including a start—Atlanta dealt him to San Francisco for Tyler Mahle at the trade deadline. Molina struggled in Atlanta, posting a 1.29 ERA, 1.33 FIP and 0.97 xFIP across three games, but the Giants saw potential. In San Francisco he made five starts and one long relief appearance, delivering a 0.91 ERA, 0.64 FIP, 0.87 xFIP and 0.9 fWAR in 29 innings, throwing 96 mph and improving his curve and changeup. The trade proved beneficial for both clubs, with the Giants gaining a promising starter and the Braves acquiring Mahle.
In Week 9 against the New York Jets, Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson sparked a viral sideline showdown when offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy yelled at him for missing a chip block that led to a strip‑sack and fumble on a hit to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite the heated exchange, Johnson has posted 111 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his first eight games, including a 73‑yard rush against Denver. Bieniemy praised his work ethic and hinted at more playing time, while emphasizing that Kansas City’s “championship culture” tolerates open frustration. The Chiefs still triumphed 35‑12 and look ahead to a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly targeting veteran utility infielder Ha‑Seong Kim, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury. With the left side of the infield in flux—third baseman Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa are free agents, and Trea Turner’s 2027 role is uncertain—the club seeks depth. Kim, 31, posted a .116/.219/.140 line and a -0.7 WAR in 51 games for the Atlanta Braves after finger surgery, but previously contributed 15.1 WAR over four seasons with the Padres and can cover third, second and shortstop. The Phillies must weigh his bounce‑back potential against other options like Mauricio Dubón while focusing on outfield upgrades.
Dyson Daniels and the Atlanta Hawks did a fine job defending Luka Doncic Monday night. They weren't ready for others to step up.
The GM Meetings are officially underway, and with precious time left before a potential lockout, the rumors are already flying.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ newest safety, Jessie Bates III, brings more than elite coverage to Duval County. The three‑time second‑team All‑Pro, acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, has pledged $1 million to support single‑mother initiatives in Atlanta and his hometown of Fort Wayne, earning the NFLPA’s Week 15 Community MVP in 2022. His extensive tattoo collection honors his mother, siblings, faith and Indiana roots, symbolizing his personal journey. At Wake Forest, Bates set a freshman record with five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and logged the first punt‑return touchdown in a Belk Bowl, highlighting his playmaking pedigree before his NFL rise.
In this Future Projection mailbag, Baseball America’s Ben Badler and Carlos Collazo field fan questions about the NL East’s top prospects. They break down the impact of age on high‑school arms like Braves left‑handers Cam Caminiti and Briggs McKenzie, evaluate whether the Marlins favor power over contact in the draft, assess Mets shortstop Sammy Stafura’s secondary tools, judge if Phillies shortstop Bryan Rincon’s breakout 2026 season is sustainable, and discuss concerns surrounding Nationals shortstop Coy James. The episode runs roughly 25 minutes and includes timestamps for each topic.
The Falcons trade safety Jessie Bates III for a 2027 second‑rounder and a 2028 fifth‑rounder, a move ESPN grades B+. With a 3‑6 record and $110 million in 2027 cap space, Atlanta prioritizes future flexibility over a slim postseason chance. Analysts note the trade avoids losing Bates for nothing due to compensatory pick rules and acknowledges the team's wider roster struggles, including inconsistent quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The added picks give the Falcons a better shot at rebuilding, even if they remain underdogs in the NFC South.
The Falcons were hammered by the Bengals in the 2026 NFL Madrid Game, prompting a deep dive into snap counts. QB Michael Penix Jr. led the offense with 62 snaps, while the offensive line mirrored that usage. Wide receivers saw limited action, with Drake London at 60 snaps and Jahan Dotson at 52, highlighting the team's overreliance on three‑receiver sets that have yielded just 96 yards on 17 catches. Tight ends, especially Kyle Pitts (42 snaps), are proving more productive. Defensively, safeties Xavier Watts and A.J. Terrell each logged 57 snaps, but the loss of Jessie Bates hampers playmaking. The secondary is crowded, and the linebacker rotation remains inconsistent. Special teams also struggled, with penalties by Chris Blair and Mike Ford costing field position, and the article suggests it may be time to move on from veteran kicker Nick Folk.
The Phillies are reportedly eyeing free‑agent infielder Ha‑Seong Kim as insurance for shortstop and utility roles, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury. Kim, a former Gold Glove utility who signed a $20 million, one‑year deal with the Braves, struggled last season with a .116 average and .356 OPS in limited action after a finger injury. With Trea Turner’s defense under scrutiny and no utility infielder locked down after Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa become free agents, Philadelphia could use Kim’s versatile experience—he posted a 3.8 WAR season with the Padres—to cover shortstop, third base or utility spots in 2027. The article debates whether the risk of his recent injuries is worth a contract and what role he might fill.
Valuable lessons in problem-solving while the wins keep coming
Carson Benge lands second in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Reds slugger Sal Stewart, while fellow Mets rookies Nolan McLean and A.J. Ewing also earn votes. With the award race highlighted, the Mets turn their focus to the upcoming GM meetings in Las Vegas, where they aim to add left‑handed starting pitching and pursue Dodgers’ ace Tarik Skubal without diving deep into free agency. Meanwhile, the Dodgers claim infielder Christian Cairo off waivers, the Braves dismiss any trade for Ronald Acuña Jr., and the Rangers mull offloading high‑payroll stars. The article also notes Detroit’s Kevin McGonigle winning AL Rookie of the Year and former Mets GM Omar Minaya’s 68th birthday.
The Braves face offseason challenges as they aim to regain World Series form, with a clear need for added offensive firepower and depth in the rotation after injuries to several young arms. Grant McAuley analyzes the team's internal options for the 2027 rotation, while Ivan examines how looming lockout issues might reshape this year’s GM meetings. Mark Bowman highlights key Braves storylines heading into those meetings. In MLB news, Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle and Reds’ Sal Stewart earn AL and NL Rookie of the Year honors, and Didier Fuentes garners fifth‑place votes.
The Falcons traded safety Jessie Bates despite claiming they aren’t “punting” the 2026 season, a move that puzzles fans but fits a larger rebuilding strategy. Still a game behind the Panthers and half a game behind the Saints in the NFC South, Atlanta can still clinch the division with seven wins. With the highest projected 2027 cap space, two second‑round picks and eight total selections, GM Ian Cunningham aims to stockpile assets and evaluate young players like Sydney Brown, Kendal Daniels and Jawaan Taylor. Head coach Kevin Stefanski insists the team remains competitive, betting on a few surprise victories to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Chiefs snap a two‑game losing streak with a 35‑12 win over the New York Jets, highlighted by Travis Kelce’s 200th NFL game. Kelce records four catches for 72 yards and a rushing touchdown, prompting the team to post his highlights on Instagram. Mahomes throws for 242 yards and two TDs, while Kenneth Walker III rushes for 102 yards and a score. The victory keeps Kansas City in the AFC West race, setting up a Week 10 clash with the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
The latest two weeks spotlight former Purdue Boilermakers in the NFL. In Week 8, Detroit’s Derrick Barnes recorded a tackle as the Lions edged the Vikings 19‑15, while Kansas City’s George Karlaftis posted a sack‑filled line with 2 tackles, a sack, 3 passes defended and a QB hit in a 24‑28 loss to Denver. Tampa Bay’s Payne Durham saw zero receptions as the Bucs ran 324 rushing yards to beat Atlanta 16‑0. In Week 9, Barnes added a tackle for loss in a 19‑9 win over Miami, and Karlaftis exploded with 2 sacks and 3 TFLs in a 35‑12 Chiefs victory over the Jets. Giants’ Charlie Jones returned three punts in a 19‑11 win over Philadelphia, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. lands on IR with a hamstring injury.