Skip Navigation

HITC SPORT
Register for HITC Email Alerts
Contact HITC
Apply to write for us

SportNFL

Five NFL pre-deadline trades which make sense - and yes Tim Tebow is one...

posted: 7 months ago

Jets Tebow

With the recent extension of the trade deadline going from week 6 to week 8, NFL general mangers now have more time to make a move for a playoff push.

Unlike in the NBA or even MLB, the trade deadline is not a very active time. Usually per year, we get one big trade. Last year was Carson Palmer coming out of retirement and being shipped out to Oakland for draft picks, in 2010 Randy Moss being shipped back to his former team, the Vikings, and 2009 struggling Braylon Edwards went from small town Cleveland to the prime time New York Jets. This year, there is bound to be another big time trade, here are five possibilities that make the most sense.

1. DeAngelo Williams

Willams has been a solid player for the Panthers for 7 seasons now, but it seems like his time in Carolina is up. The 29 year old back is becoming less and less part of the offense, as Johnathan Stewart is now becoming the unanimous starter at running back. Also with the huge 3 year 43 million dollar contract left with him, it would be wise to move him to create more money, which would fill the many needs this team has.

A perfect trading partner for Carolina is Detroit. Ever since Barry Sanders left the NFL, the Lions have not had a consistently effective running back, with players like Kevin Jones, Kevin Smith, and Jahvid Best failing to make long term success. While Williams is no guarantee to do the same, he would add his playmaking speed and skills at the running back position to make the Lions a far more complete team, and with this team on the verge of a wild card berth, that could be the edge they need.

2. LeGarrette Blount

Ever since his breakout rookie year in Tampa, in which he became the second player ever, only to Dominic Rhodes, to reach 1,000 yards rushing as a undrafted free agent, Blount has never been able to reach that level of success he had. Now he is reduced as a backup running back to the rookie Doug Martin, and is becoming an absolute non factor to the team. He even is failing as the goal line back, failing to punch it in at the one yard line after three tries in a 35-28 loss to New Orleans a week back.

Still, there is one level headed team out there that I think could make a move for him, and that is Oakland. With Daren McFadden failing to stay healthy and the departure of Michael Bush during free agency, Blount would be a help to getting an Oakland team that ranks second to last in rushing back on track. With two solid running backs, the team would be able to play more to their strengths, maintainingpossession of the football and playing solid defense.

3. Dwayne Bowe

Bowe has been a talented receiver in the NFL for years now, and has always led the Chiefs as their go to guy. The problem now lies with the fact that Kansas City is now 1-6, and are in a major rebuilding process at this time. With this, it is a good idea to try to trade one of the teams older players for draft picks, which are crucial for a team in this stage. Bowe even on a bad team has still shown he can produce, so the value for him is high.

The best possible landing spot for Bowe would be the Minesota Vikings. The Vikings are sitting on a wild card spot in the tough NFC, but have looked weaker on offense as the weeks go on. The Vikings only truly good receiver is Percy Harvin, who is more of a slot type receiver than a true go to guy. With Bowe, second year QB Christian Ponder will have a true number one option, which should keep them in the playoff hunt.

4. Steven Jackson

Perhaps the most consistent running back in the NFL over the past decade with seven consecutive 1,000 rushing seasons seems like his time in St. Louis is nearly up. Now that he is splitting caries with rookie running back Daryl Richardson, he is not as big of a key to the franchise. St. Louis is also in a rebuilding stage, and with Jackson nearing his 30's, now is a good time to get rid of him before it is too late.

A perfect suitor for Jackson is the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have one of the more elite passing offenses in the NFL, which has carried the team. Running wise, the Packers have always either been in the the bottom or near it in the rushing category. They tried earlier this year with Cedric Benson, but a serious injury has delayed getting into a rushing groove. By getting Jackson, the Packers will be getting one of the toughest workhorse running backs in the NFL.

5. Tim Tebow

Yes, it seems impossible to make any list without mentioning the media sensation that is Tim Tebow, but even though he is a new addition to this Jets team, he has been used rarely. Besides a couple of handoffs and a few trick special team plays, the Jets are not even trying to really incorporate him into the offense that much. Unless they are planning to make a switch at quaterback, which doesn't look like the case, he is expendable to the team.

The team that is most likely to be interested is the Jaguars. Not because they want him as their starting quarterback, but bringing him back to the state where he dominated at college will bring the team much needed buzz. Also, in a very one dimensional offense, he just adds an element of surprise that could spark the team.

image: © bradleygee

blog comments powered by Disqus

Most Popular Nfl Stories