Unlike their rivals in the MLB, the NFL trade deadline has never been a hot-bed for movement. But with the new rules in place and extra couple weeks (moved back from week six to week eight) to evaluate the reality for certain franchises, this could be the busiest day for many GM’s in months. Bottom feeders like Cleveland and Jacksonville have already started their fire-sale, and could be willing to move more parts to acquire draft picks for their rebuilding process.
This is a list of trades that should happen by tomorrow’s deadline:
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
New England Patriots trade QB Ryan Mallett and 2014 2nd Round Pick to the Cleveland Browns for WR Josh Gordon.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE PATRIOTS: The issues in the Patriots passing game have been well reported all season and with the slew of unproven commodities, Tom Brady has as options outside, this would be a welcome addition to an offensive lacking explosion. Gordon has a rare size and speed combination that has the ability to catch balls in traffic and break off long runs downfield. With the return of Rob Gronkowski, and possibly Danny Amendola, what once was a weakness could become a strength for a Patriots team that will only improve by the end of the season.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE BROWNS: The Browns seemed dead set on building for the future, never more evident than sending 2012 3rd Overall pick, Trent Richardson, to the Colts for a 2014 first rounder. With this trade, Cleveland has the opportunity to evaluate the Ryan Mallett as a starter and add in another high draft pick in a very deep class. Though Gordon is only in his second year, he is also one pee test away from a year long suspension.
Courtesy: Zimbio
Seattle Seahawks trade WR Golden Tate to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional 2014 5th round pick.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE SEAHAWKS: Seattle spent a 1st round pick on acquiring Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings. After a training camp hip injury, Harvin seems set to return within the next couple weeks. That seems to be an issue for Golden Tate, who plays a very similar role and position, out of the slot. The Seahawks could render Tate disposable, and be willing to part ways with him, as to keep any issues out of the locker room.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens have been desperately searching for a playmaker to go over the middle for Joe Flacco since training camp. Though Tate is not a star by any means, has proven to be versatile and have a knack for the end zone (11 Total TDs in 2013). He is an improvement over the likes of Tandon Doss and Dallas Clark in the slot. Add in that the Ravens are cap strapped, Tate’s contract situation will not put a dent on their future plans as well.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Buffalo Bills trade S Jarius Byrd to the Philadelphia Eagles for conditional 2014 3rd Round Pick.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE BILLS: The Bills have issues keeping Byrd happy for the past year and half, meaning they will most likely be unable to retain him in the offseason. They already used the franchise tag on him this season and will not be able to afford to do so again (as the price goes up drastically for franchising a player two years in a row). If the Bills could get anything for him at this point, they have to jump at the opportunity, or risk losing him for nothing in the offseason.
WHY IT MAKS SENSE FOR THE EAGLES: Chip Kelly has proven to pick players his is familiar with in his short tenure in the NFL. Byrd did play under Kelly at Oregon, and more importantly, fills a drastic hole in their defense. At 3-5, the Eagles are only a game back in the division and could still make a run against a slew of bad NFC East teams. Byrd could add a playmaker in the back end of the defense, which they have been missing since Brian Dawkins departure. He is a ball-hawk and would improve the 31st ranked pass defense in the NFL, with his presence alone in the middle of the field.
Courtesy: Washington Post
Washington Redskins trade TE Fred Davis to the Green Bay Packers for conditional 2014 4th round pick.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE REDSKINS: With the emergence of Jordan Reed in Washington, Fred Davis seems to be expendable. Though RG3 could use as many good targets as possible, they may be too far removed to make a real run this season. Adding in extra picks has always been the way of the Shannahan’s in D.C., while getting something for a player that has off-field issues and an iffy contract situation, makes sense to help build for the future.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE PACKERS: The Packers lost Jermichael Finley for an extended period of time and are left with very little behind him for the rest of the season. Aaron Rodgers was finding Finley a lot in the Red Zone (when he played), and Davis could replace that production, with his similar skill-set. Add in injuries to Randall Cobb and James Jones, the Packers could certainly use depth at pass-catchers.
Courtesy: Zimbio
Detroit Lions trade RB Mikell Leshoure to the Dallas Cowboys for 2014 5th Round Pick.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE LIONS: The Lions have gained great production out of the backfield tandem of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. Leshoure has seen just limited carries and would be best suited with a change of scenery, after having some productive games in 2012. The Lions should take anything they can get at this point for a player that most likely will not be around next year and will not be used effectively this season.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR THE COWBOYS: Jerry Jones and the entire Cowboys staff has announced their lack of confidence in DeMarco Murray. As they continue to struggle finishing off games, adding a physical back, like Leshoure, could improve their late game issues. He is also in the last year of his contract and would not tack on to the $31 Million over the salary cap, which the Cowboys will have to face in the offseason.
