Roddy White’s days in Atlanta could be numbered. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, three teams have inquired about the veteran wideout, who griped recently about his lack of involvement in the offense. White is on pace for a career-low 52 targets this season, and he doesn’t appear to be taking his reduced role well.
Roddy White trade rumors heating up after complaining about Falcons’ offense
Three teams are reportedly interested in acquiring the disgruntled veteran wideout.
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White seemed to direct some choice words Tuesday towards offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who praised White's performance in the Falcons' 39-28 win over the Cowboys two weeks ago –– even though he wasn't thrown to for the second straight contest. Last Sunday against the Texans, White only recorded two catches for eight yards.
“For me, at the end of the day, I want to catch passes,” White said to ESPN.com. “I’m not out here just f---ing around just to sit around to just block f---ing people all day. It’s not what I want to do.”
White, 33, has been a No. 1 receiver for the bulk of his career. He was targeted at least 122 times every season but once from 2007 through 2014, and led the league in receptions in 2010. But he's seen his role reduced this season, largely due to the emergence of Leonard Hankerson as a No. 2 option behind star wideout Julio Jones. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown to Hankerson 28 times in four games.
Though it’s difficult to imagine White wanting to leave the undefeated Falcons, Rapoport writes that Atlanta is entertaining the possibility. The biggest obstacle to trading White would probably be his contract, as he’s owed $5 million this year. It’s unlikely the Falcons would be willing to eat any portion of his salary, considering his experience and success with Ryan. Though White may be an ancillary piece now, that could change in a hurry if Jones or Hankerson went down with an injury. In fact, Jones was questionable for Week 5’s matchup against Washington, but is expected to play as of Sunday morning.
With the trade deadline less than one month away, the Falcons and new head coach Dan Quinn have to figure out their strategy with White: do they find a way to make this work, or do they move him? Cutting ties may appear to be the easiest thing to do now, but given the importance of depth in the NFL, letting White go could carry severe repercussions.
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