It’s far too early in the NFL off-season to assume teams as we see them are already in their final form. We just got done with the 2015 NFL Draft and teams will be finalizing their key rookie and free agent signings, but before long some will be looking for a major change via another venue: trades.
Some big names are floating around the rumor mill as possible trade candidates, and some could even dramatically change the fortunes of their new team, should they be traded. While trade rumors involving guys like Philip Rivers and Sam Bradford once ruled the headlines, those guys are now near-locks to stay put. Let’s take a look at the five biggest names that could actually be on the move, who could trade for them and why you should care:
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears
There are several reasons why the ever talented, yet always disappointing Cutler could be on his way out of Chi-town. On top of Cutler seemingly always being hurt, always having a poor attitude, turning the ball over too much and not winning enough, we also have to face the reality that a new regime is in town. Chicago declined to draft a new franchise passer in the 2015 NFL Draft, but if John Fox and co. don’t think they can win with him, they might be best served to just start over.
Cutler’s hefty contract is rather tricky, as few teams will both want to eat his salary and actually see him as their answer. There is also the matter of the Bears not having a legit, competent passer in place of the potentially departing Cutler. Even so, the Bears could opt to unload Cutler if the right deal comes to them. Teams that could be a quarterback away from competing include the Bills, Jets and possibly even the Browns.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
The latest buzz has Peterson staying put in Minnesota, but it’s possible Minnesota’s steadfast love for their franchise player could be a PR ploy to make him look like the bad guy, and not them. They also could just want to get all they can out of one of the best running backs in the league. Peterson may end up staying put, but he surely won’t want for suitors. The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals have been tied to him in rumors in the past and could once again emerge as trade suitors.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A once promising talent that put up a staggering 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground as a rookie, The Muscle Hamster has been in a free fall over the past two years. It arguably had much more to do with a shaky offensive line, injury and then a new coach and system in 2014, but Martin has still not been the elite back many expected him to be. The Bucs also just declined his option for next season and appear to have “their guy” in Charles Sims. If Martin isn’t traded this year, he’ll find a new home next year.
Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
If Davis has any trade value left, the 49ers may want to take advantage of it. Davis regressed severely in 2014, thanks to injury and Colin Kaepernick failing to find him as he had in the past. There’s still a chance Davis buys into the new system and rebounds in 2014, but the Niners could also choose to cut bait with four other tight ends on the roster ready to compete for a bigger role. Now 31 years old and in a contract year, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Davis traded from the only team he’s ever known.
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Normally a smart team wouldn’t try to trade such a solid player in Kendricks, who is a balanced inside presence at linebacker. Unfortunately, he’s entering a contract year and the Eagles don’t seem too excited about paying him. More importantly, they appear content with Kiko Alonso and Demeco Ryans operating on the inside of their 3-4 defense and they don’t want to lose a talented player like Kendricks for nothing in free agency. With value to be had, there have already been whispers that Philly has tried to get as high as a second round pick for him. That won’t happen, but teams seeking help on the inside like the Packers could engage in talks regarding as high as a fourth-round pick.
Have an idea where these guys might be headed or have other trade candidates in mind? Let us hear about it in the comments below!
