Football Warning: Another Article on Trades (Yes, DJ is here too)

T-post Tom · 01:46 PM

Deadline trades remain a rarity in NFL
by Alex Marvez

The NFL's trade deadline is next Tuesday.

Whee.
Unlike when the cut-off date approaches in other sports leagues, there won't be a flurry of activity over the next six days. No mega-deals are expected even among struggling teams that would welcome a fire-sale.

Most franchises seem content with their rosters currently intact. The NFL's five undefeated teams (Minnesota, New Orleans, Denver, Indianapolis and the New York Giants) don't have any glaring weaknesses that need addressing. Losing squads don't want to sacrifice future draft picks for players who won't make much of a difference for their fortunes in 2009 and may be available in 2010 via free agency or trade. Some spots like left tackle and defensive tackle aren't easily filled because of the premium placed on those positions. Salary cap considerations also temper trade activity.

Still, there's always the chance of another blockbuster deal like when Cleveland sent wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets last week. Here's a look at 10 well-known players whose names will surface in trade rumors, the likelihood they will change zip codes and places that could be a good fit.

In other words, a different type of fantasy football than the one fans play on Sundays.

San Diego LB Shawne "roidman" Merriman
Fantasy: The Chargers land a high draft choice from a team that needs an impact pass-rusher. Tension remains from personality clashes between general manager A.J. Smith and Merriman, who becomes a restricted free-agent in 2010. Smith even used his 2009 first-round pick on projected Merriman replacement Larry English. Merriman would be an intriguing fit in Green Bay, where Aaron Kampman is struggling to make the conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Reality: The Chargers can't afford to part ways with Merriman because defense remains this team's greatest shortcoming. Merriman's trade value may be reduced because he still seems gimpy after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury. Merriman deserves a mulligan for 2009 and can be kept for a relatively low price as a restricted free agent in 2010, which is leverage Smith could use to facilitate a more lucrative trade in the offseason. Then again, there are no guarantees that Smith or head coach Norv Turner will be back if the underachieving Chargers (2-2) don't catch AFC West-leading Denver (5-0).

Cleveland QB Brady Quinn
Fantasy: Regardless of who is Washington's head coach in 2010, Redskins owner Dan Snyder rolls the dice and tells general manager Vinny Cerato to trade for Quinn. The move lights a fire under embattled Redskins starter Jason Campbell and gives the franchise hope that Quinn can develop further and become a starter -- something that isn't happening right now in Cleveland.

Reality: Snyder doesn't make the move, especially with head coach Jim Zorn a likely goner in 2010. Understandably, Snyder wouldn't want to saddle the new head coach with a quarterback they aren't necessarily sold on. I don't get the feeling that Mangini is eager to reinsert Quinn with the first-team offense after a rough stretch to open the season. Proof: Derek Anderson remains the starter despite a 2-for-17 passing performance in last Sunday's 6-3 win over Buffalo.

Philadelphia QB Michael Vick
Fantasy: The Eagles get some value for a player who may not be as important in Philadelphia's Super Bowl quest as first envisioned. Vick's first two appearances in Philadelphia's "Spread Eagle" wildcat attack were flops. The emergence of backup quarterback Kevin Kolb behind a now-healthy Donovan McNabb also makes Vick expendable.

Reality: Even though Vick is likely a one-year experiment in Philadelphia, Eagles coach Andy Reid doesn't seem ready to pull the plug on the wildcat quite yet. Vick's trade value also may rise in the offseason as he continues to try to leave his dog-fighting image in the past.

Carolina DE Julius Peppers
Fantasy: Bill Belichick completes the trade that was rumored during the offseason. Peppers comes to the Patriots and provides the pass rush New England is sorely lacking.

Reality: With a 1-3 start and their jobs potentially on the line, Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney need all the immediate help they can get. Carolina has to hope the Peppers who showed up last Sunday against Washington (four tackles, two sacks) is the real deal as opposed to the underachiever wearing his jersey through the first three games.

Buffalo WR Terrell Owens
Fantasy: Hoping to get out while the getting is still good, the Bills (1-4) shuffle T.O. out of Buffalo before he implodes at a lack of individual and/or team success. The Bills salvage something for the future from a team willing to surrender a draft choice for Owens despite the off-field baggage he carries.

Reality: For better or worse, the Bills and Owens are married for 2009. Owens is much less likely to leave Buffalo than fellow wideout Roscoe Parrish, whose punt-return gaffe last Sunday set up Cleveland for the game-winning field goal. Parrish would ideally fetch a late-round pick from a team needing a punt returner and potential contributor at slot receiver. Parrish, though, may be un-movable. That's Buffalo's own fault. The Bills signed him to a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension in December 2007 that he hasn't lived up to.

Arizona WR Anquan Boldin
Fantasy: Miami does what it should have done during the offseason and acquires a bona fide receiving threat for an offense that needs one. Boldin comes home to South Florida and receives the big-money contract extension that hasn't been forthcoming from the Cardinals.

Reality: If the Cardinals haven't moved Boldin by now, it's not happening during the 2009 season. With 23 catches through just four games, Boldin is too critical a piece of Arizona's passing game to move at this point.

St. Louis QB Marc Bulger
Fantasy: Despite his struggles the past two-plus seasons, Bulger draws interest from a quality team needing a quickie fix at quarterback. The 32-year-old Bulger has additional appeal because he is still young enough to man the position long-term if able to recapture past glory.

Reality: In another season, Bulger might be a valuable commodity. But starting quarterbacks have remained remarkably healthy in 2009, limiting the market for veterans who need a change of scenery. Fortunately for the ailing Bulger (shoulder), Kyle Boller has sputtered as his replacement. Bulger returns to the starting lineup Sunday at Jacksonville but his days with the Rams are numbered. St. Louis seems destined to target a quarterback early in the 2010 draft.

Oakland RB Justin Fargas
Fantasy: The Raiders decide that Fargas is the third wheel in a Darren McFadden-Michael Bush pairing. He is dealt to a team needing running back depth. Houston, which fields the NFL's 30th-ranked ground game, could use Fargas to complement the struggling Steve Slaton.

Reality: As first reported by FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer, Oakland is testing the trade waters in yet another lost season. Fargas is under contract through 2010 at modest base salaries, which could increase his trade value. However, Oakland owner Al Davis may be hesitant to trade Fargas as McFadden is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Kansas City LB Derrick Johnson
Fantasy: A 4-3 defense needing linebacker help — hello, Chicago and Buffalo — may want to inquire about Johnson's availability. A Kansas City starter since being drafted in the 2004 first round, Johnson is seemingly on the outs with Chiefs coaches who have installed a 3-4 system.

Reality: The Chiefs (0-5) should be looking for draft picks with any player who doesn't figure into their future plans. Johnson fits the bill.

Tampa Bay QB Byron Leftwich
Fantasy: Now third-string in Tampa Bay, the Bucs salvage a late-round pick for a veteran serving little use on the sideline.

Reality: Leftwich is a safety net in case current starter Josh Johnson struggles and 2009 first-round pick Josh Freeman isn't quite ready for NFL action. Like in the offseason, Leftwich doesn't have much of a market for his services.

Halfcan · 10-14-2009, 02:52 PM

most everyone on the cheaps is for sale or trade

wild1 · 10-14-2009, 02:53 PM

Is there a single piece of solid information on Derrick Johnson, or is this all conjecture and guessing?

T-post Tom · 10-14-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

Is there a single piece of solid information on Derrick Johnson, or is this all conjecture and guessing?

pure conjecture

JohninGpt · 10-14-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

most everyone on the cheaps is for sale or trade

A few of them should just be left out at the curb with a "take me" sign.

boogblaster · 10-14-2009, 08:11 PM

DJ might be gone at seasons end, but doubtful till then, unless they find a cover LBer ...

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-14-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

most everyone on the chumps is for sale or trade

FYP

10-14-2009, 01:14 PM
T-post Tom Threepeat! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milk/Honey/Gazland Casino cash: $4337293	Warning: Another Article on Trades (Yes, DJ is here too) Deadline trades remain a rarity in NFL by Alex Marvez The NFL's trade deadline is next Tuesday. Whee. Unlike when the cut-off date approaches in other sports leagues, there won't be a flurry of activity over the next six days. No mega-deals are expected even among struggling teams that would welcome a fire-sale. Most franchises seem content with their rosters currently intact. The NFL's five undefeated teams (Minnesota, New Orleans, Denver, Indianapolis and the New York Giants) don't have any glaring weaknesses that need addressing. Losing squads don't want to sacrifice future draft picks for players who won't make much of a difference for their fortunes in 2009 and may be available in 2010 via free agency or trade. Some spots like left tackle and defensive tackle aren't easily filled because of the premium placed on those positions. Salary cap considerations also temper trade activity. Still, there's always the chance of another blockbuster deal like when Cleveland sent wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets last week. Here's a look at 10 well-known players whose names will surface in trade rumors, the likelihood they will change zip codes and places that could be a good fit. In other words, a different type of fantasy football than the one fans play on Sundays. San Diego LB Shawne "roidman" Merriman Fantasy: The Chargers land a high draft choice from a team that needs an impact pass-rusher. Tension remains from personality clashes between general manager A.J. Smith and Merriman, who becomes a restricted free-agent in 2010. Smith even used his 2009 first-round pick on projected Merriman replacement Larry English. Merriman would be an intriguing fit in Green Bay, where Aaron Kampman is struggling to make the conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Reality: The Chargers can't afford to part ways with Merriman because defense remains this team's greatest shortcoming. Merriman's trade value may be reduced because he still seems gimpy after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury. Merriman deserves a mulligan for 2009 and can be kept for a relatively low price as a restricted free agent in 2010, which is leverage Smith could use to facilitate a more lucrative trade in the offseason. Then again, there are no guarantees that Smith or head coach Norv Turner will be back if the underachieving Chargers (2-2) don't catch AFC West-leading Denver (5-0). Cleveland QB Brady Quinn Fantasy: Regardless of who is Washington's head coach in 2010, Redskins owner Dan Snyder rolls the dice and tells general manager Vinny Cerato to trade for Quinn. The move lights a fire under embattled Redskins starter Jason Campbell and gives the franchise hope that Quinn can develop further and become a starter -- something that isn't happening right now in Cleveland. Reality: Snyder doesn't make the move, especially with head coach Jim Zorn a likely goner in 2010. Understandably, Snyder wouldn't want to saddle the new head coach with a quarterback they aren't necessarily sold on. I don't get the feeling that Mangini is eager to reinsert Quinn with the first-team offense after a rough stretch to open the season. Proof: Derek Anderson remains the starter despite a 2-for-17 passing performance in last Sunday's 6-3 win over Buffalo. Philadelphia QB Michael Vick Fantasy: The Eagles get some value for a player who may not be as important in Philadelphia's Super Bowl quest as first envisioned. Vick's first two appearances in Philadelphia's "Spread Eagle" wildcat attack were flops. The emergence of backup quarterback Kevin Kolb behind a now-healthy Donovan McNabb also makes Vick expendable. Reality: Even though Vick is likely a one-year experiment in Philadelphia, Eagles coach Andy Reid doesn't seem ready to pull the plug on the wildcat quite yet. Vick's trade value also may rise in the offseason as he continues to try to leave his dog-fighting image in the past. Carolina DE Julius Peppers Fantasy: Bill Belichick completes the trade that was rumored during the offseason. Peppers comes to the Patriots and provides the pass rush New England is sorely lacking. Reality: With a 1-3 start and their jobs potentially on the line, Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney need all the immediate help they can get. Carolina has to hope the Peppers who showed up last Sunday against Washington (four tackles, two sacks) is the real deal as opposed to the underachiever wearing his jersey through the first three games. Buffalo WR Terrell Owens Fantasy: Hoping to get out while the getting is still good, the Bills (1-4) shuffle T.O. out of Buffalo before he implodes at a lack of individual and/or team success. The Bills salvage something for the future from a team willing to surrender a draft choice for Owens despite the off-field baggage he carries. Reality: For better or worse, the Bills and Owens are married for 2009. Owens is much less likely to leave Buffalo than fellow wideout Roscoe Parrish, whose punt-return gaffe last Sunday set up Cleveland for the game-winning field goal. Parrish would ideally fetch a late-round pick from a team needing a punt returner and potential contributor at slot receiver. Parrish, though, may be un-movable. That's Buffalo's own fault. The Bills signed him to a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension in December 2007 that he hasn't lived up to. Arizona WR Anquan Boldin Fantasy: Miami does what it should have done during the offseason and acquires a bona fide receiving threat for an offense that needs one. Boldin comes home to South Florida and receives the big-money contract extension that hasn't been forthcoming from the Cardinals. Reality: If the Cardinals haven't moved Boldin by now, it's not happening during the 2009 season. With 23 catches through just four games, Boldin is too critical a piece of Arizona's passing game to move at this point. St. Louis QB Marc Bulger Fantasy: Despite his struggles the past two-plus seasons, Bulger draws interest from a quality team needing a quickie fix at quarterback. The 32-year-old Bulger has additional appeal because he is still young enough to man the position long-term if able to recapture past glory. Reality: In another season, Bulger might be a valuable commodity. But starting quarterbacks have remained remarkably healthy in 2009, limiting the market for veterans who need a change of scenery. Fortunately for the ailing Bulger (shoulder), Kyle Boller has sputtered as his replacement. Bulger returns to the starting lineup Sunday at Jacksonville but his days with the Rams are numbered. St. Louis seems destined to target a quarterback early in the 2010 draft. Oakland RB Justin Fargas Fantasy: The Raiders decide that Fargas is the third wheel in a Darren McFadden-Michael Bush pairing. He is dealt to a team needing running back depth. Houston, which fields the NFL's 30th-ranked ground game, could use Fargas to complement the struggling Steve Slaton. Reality: As first reported by FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer, Oakland is testing the trade waters in yet another lost season. Fargas is under contract through 2010 at modest base salaries, which could increase his trade value. However, Oakland owner Al Davis may be hesitant to trade Fargas as McFadden is currently sidelined with a knee injury. Kansas City LB Derrick Johnson Fantasy: A 4-3 defense needing linebacker help — hello, Chicago and Buffalo — may want to inquire about Johnson's availability. A Kansas City starter since being drafted in the 2004 first round, Johnson is seemingly on the outs with Chiefs coaches who have installed a 3-4 system. Reality: The Chiefs (0-5) should be looking for draft picks with any player who doesn't figure into their future plans. Johnson fits the bill. Tampa Bay QB Byron Leftwich Fantasy: Now third-string in Tampa Bay, the Bucs salvage a late-round pick for a veteran serving little use on the sideline. Reality: Leftwich is a safety net in case current starter Josh Johnson struggles and 2009 first-round pick Josh Freeman isn't quite ready for NFL action. Like in the offseason, Leftwich doesn't have much of a market for his services. Last edited by T-post Tom; 10-14-2009 at 01:46 PM..
Posts: 20,336

10-14-2009, 02:52 PM	#2
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	most everyone on the cheaps is for sale or trade
Posts: 43,200

10-14-2009, 02:53 PM	#3
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	Is there a single piece of solid information on Derrick Johnson, or is this all conjecture and guessing?
Posts: 6,935

10-14-2009, 08:11 PM	#6
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	DJ might be gone at seasons end, but doubtful till then, unless they find a cover LBer ... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305