It feels like the Atlanta Falcons' season could go either way right now. They're 2-4 and about to embark on a brutal four-game stretch that includes matchups against multiple Super Bowl contenders. However, the NFC South is wide open - assuming that the Falcons can catch up with the Carolina Panthers, who are a game and a half up in the standings.

The next few weeks will tell us a lot about where this team is headed - but before that stretch is over we'll hit the NFL's trade deadline, where the Falcons will come to a crossroads.

Atlanta is loaded with talented players that are either young or in their prime. However, their best trade-bait may be veteran safety Jessie Bates III, who's playing out the final year of his contract. Jeremy Fowler at ESPN doesn't think the Falcons want to trade him, but he'd have good value if they did.

"Also, could a team pry safety Jessie Bates III out of Atlanta? He will be a free agent in 2027, and the Falcons are sitting at 2-4. I doubt Atlanta wants to trade him, but his value would be strong if that changes."

Bates would definitely bring in a good return, especially if he were to go to a potentia contender that needs help on the back end of their defense.

Since the trade that brought him in defensive tackle Gervon Dexter has been Atlanta's top defensive player, but nobody has made more splash plays than Bates, who has scored a defensive touchdown, stopped a two-point conversion and punched out a fumble just in the last two games.

Trading Bates might get them a nice return. It would be a mistake, though. As long as Bates is playing at this level, it would be silly to send him to another team - period.