Atlanta acquired veteran guard Andy Levitre from Tennessee…
Atlanta acquired veteran guard Andy Levitre from Tennessee for a 2016 sixth-round pick and a future conditional selection. The move became a strong fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense: Levitre immediately started at left guard, remained a regular starter for three-plus seasons, and helped anchor the line during the Falcons' 2016 run to Super Bowl LI. Tennessee recovered modest draft value but gave up the better player outcome.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Andy Levitre
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 2016 6th round pick (193rd overall, Sebastian Tretola)
- pick 2017 6th round pick (214th overall subsequently traded, Elijah Qualls)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Andy Levitre had started every game in two seasons with Tennessee, but his expensive free-agent contract had not produced the impact the Titans expected. Atlanta needed immediate help on the interior line for Kyle Shanahan's offense. The Falcons accepted the veteran contract and sent Tennessee a 2016 sixth-round pick plus a future conditional selection.
What Each Side Received
Atlanta received Levitre, a proven guard who could step directly into the lineup. Tennessee received the 2016 sixth-rounder that became Sebastian Tretola and a later conditional pick. The deal therefore was more than a one-pick swap, but the compensation still consisted of late-round capital rather than a premium asset.
How the Value Developed
Levitre's career changed direction in Atlanta. He started all 16 games in both 2015 and 2016, then started 13 more in 2017. He became an important piece of the line that protected Matt Ryan during his MVP season and helped the Falcons reach Super Bowl LI. NFL.com later revisited the deal and described Levitre as a very valuable addition, noting that Tennessee appeared to have moved on too soon. The Titans' draft return did not produce comparable impact.
Why Atlanta Gets the Edge
The Falcons paid late-round compensation for a starting-caliber lineman and received several seasons of reliable work at a position of need. Tennessee's desire to clear salary and reset the position was understandable, so the Titans are not graded as if the trade lacked logic. The problem is that the player they sold immediately became more valuable in a different scheme.
Final Verdict
Atlanta earns an A- because the cost was modest and Levitre became a durable starter on a championship-caliber offense. Tennessee gets a C+ for obtaining two late-round assets and flexibility, but the Titans surrendered the transaction's best football value. The Falcons win.