Falcons, Jaguars Swap Defensive Tackles Before NFL Draft

Atlanta sends Ruke Orhorhoro to Jacksonville in exchange for Maason Smith

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract football defensive line clash, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange.This trade between the Falcons and Jaguars aims to give two young defensive tackles a fresh start and reshape their respective defensive lines.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have executed a rare player-for-player trade, swapping defensive tackles Ruke Orhorhoro and Maason Smith ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Both players were second-round picks in 2024, with the Falcons taking Orhorhoro 35th overall and the Jaguars selecting Smith 13 picks later at 48th overall.

Why it matters

This trade reflects the new regimes in both Atlanta and Jacksonville, as the teams look to move in different directions with their defensive line personnel. Neither the Falcons nor Jaguars have first-round picks in this year's draft, making this an opportune time to swap players they feel no longer fit their plans.

The details

The Falcons are sending Orhorhoro, who struggled mightily in 2025 according to PFF metrics, to the Jaguars in exchange for Smith, whose defensive snaps decreased last season and was a healthy scratch at times. Both teams are hoping a change of scenery will benefit the young defensive tackles.

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

The players

Ruke Orhorhoro

A second-round pick of the Falcons in 2024 who had 3.5 sacks in 2025 but struggled overall, ranking 123rd out of 127 defensive tackles.

Maason Smith

A second-round pick of the Jaguars in 2024 who saw his defensive snaps decrease in 2025 and was a healthy scratch at times, including in the team's playoff loss to the Bills.

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What’s next

The Falcons and Jaguars will both be looking for these players to bounce back and contribute more in 2026 as they aim to improve their defensive line units.

The takeaway

This trade represents a fresh start for both Orhorhoro and Smith, as the new regimes in Atlanta and Jacksonville seek to reshape their defensive tackle positions. It's a low-risk move for both teams as they look to get the most out of these 2024 second-round picks.