Falcons, Jaguars Swap Defensive Tackles Ahead of NFL Draft

Atlanta sends Ruke Orhorhoro to Jacksonville in exchange for Maason Smith

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the clash of two NFL defensive lines, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange representing the strategic exchange of players between the teams.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic chess match between two NFL teams as they swap young defensive talents ahead of the draft.Atlanta Today

In a rare player-for-player trade, the Atlanta Falcons have sent defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith. Both players were second-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, with Orhorhoro going 35th overall to the Falcons and Smith being selected 48th by the Jaguars.

Why it matters

The trade represents a fresh start for both players, who have struggled to make an impact with their original teams. It also reflects the new leadership in Atlanta and Jacksonville, as both franchises look to reshape their defensive lines ahead of the upcoming draft.

The details

Orhorhoro, a 2024 second-round pick, had a disappointing two-year stint with the Falcons, ranking 123rd out of 127 defensive tackles in 2025 according to PFF. Meanwhile, Smith saw his defensive snaps decrease in 2025 and was a healthy scratch in multiple games, including the Jaguars' playoff loss to the Bills.

  • The trade was announced on April 17, 2026, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Ruke Orhorhoro

A defensive tackle who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Maason Smith

A defensive tackle who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN reporter who broke the news of the trade.

Terry Fontenot

The former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

James Gladstone

The current general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“This is a player-for-player trade that is not common in the NFL, but has happened as of late, including when the Jets and Titans swapped Jermaine Johnson and T'Vondre Sweat in February.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Falcons and Jaguars will both look to these new defensive tackles to help improve their respective defensive lines ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This trade represents a fresh start for both Orhorhoro and Smith, who were unable to live up to their draft pedigree with their original teams. It also highlights the new leadership in Atlanta and Jacksonville, as both franchises aim to reshape their rosters through strategic player swaps ahead of the upcoming draft.