Potential Trades This Off-Season

Trades are rare in the NFL, but there are a couple of players this off-season that should be finding a new team this off-season.

Dr. James Andrews has stated that Tom Brady's chances are "good" to make a full recovery, which means that the Patriots leverage on dealing Matt Cassell just got even higher.

Cassell's likely suitors are in Kansas City, Detroit, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and San Francisco. His skillset is pretty limited, as he lacks deep ball accuracy, but he's got great intermediate and short accuracy and can move extremely well in the pocket and would excel in one of these "pro spreads" that are popping up around the league.
Kansas City could definitely make a play for him. Tyler Thigpen showed flashes of potential last season throwing eighteen touchdowns and twelve interceptions, but a paltry completion percentage just over 50% and a yard per attempt well under seven are both nagging concerns. That being said, I don't expect Kansas City to make a play for him, because if you have a player show some potential like Thigpen did, you give him another shot.

Detroit seems unlikely, because chances are they'd have to deal the 33rd overall pick this season and a 2010 2nd round pick, and for a rebuilding team trading early picks for players is always a no-no.

Minnesota has major need at quarterback, and certainly Cassell can take care of the ball and act as a game manager while they unload their offense in the running game, but it seems Minnesota thinks gunslinger Sage Rosenfels (22 interceptions in his last 15 games) is a better play as they've been linked to him the past two off-seasons now and are rumored to make a move for him at midnight for a 4th round pick, a far cry from what Cassell will get.

Tampa Bay would be an interesting scenario for Cassell if Gruden was still the head coach, because they ran so many shorter routes that played to Cassell's strengths, but they lack talent at crucial skill positions on offense.

Carolina is interested in upgrading Delhomme, and they've done nothing to upgrade the position. The Panthers lack a first round pick, so this marriage seems unlikely.

San Francisco could be another landing spot for Cassell, but the 49ers seem content with a competition between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith next season, so again, this marriage is unlikely. I think Cassell will most likely land in Kansas City or Tampa Bay.

Braylon Edwards or Kellen Winslow will not be a Cleveland Brown after this off-season. I think Kellen Winslow will be the one to stay. The Browns do have depth at the tight end position, but Winslow is far more endearing to the Browns fanbase then Edwards is. The former Michigan standout has basically labeled the Cleveland fans as hating him because he's from Michigan, and he's moved his charities out of Cleveland. The Browns won't be able to pay both of them, and Winslow's deal will come cheaper then Edwards' would.

So where will Edwards land? Possible suitors could include head coach Eric Mangini's former team the New York Jets, Tennessee, the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles, or the Chicago Bears. I think the most likely of those are the latter two. The Jets and Titans are both in the AFC, and I can't imagine that the Browns want to be facing Edwards more then once every four seasons. Still, if the Jets offer the 17th overall pick straight up, or their 2009 2nd and 2010 2nd round pick to get him. The cost might be a little too high for a team that has talent, but isn't necessarily one player away from getting to the Super Bowl.

The Titans seem like a logical spot because of Edwards' great abilities downfield, but I can't imagine Tennessee will stomache Edwards' attitude. Still, he'd add a great weapon and a new dimension to the Titans offense that they so sorely lacked last season. Teaming Edwards with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger (despite all of his flaws) could be deadly.

The New York Giants seem like the most likely choice. They're in the NFC, they love Michigan alumni, and they're operating under the assumption that Plaxico Burress will not be around in 2009-10. Edwards would fill Burress' shoes and then some, and he'd probably love playing for the 2007 Super Bowl champions in the largest media market in the world. The Giants really are a team that is one player away from getting back to the big game, so this seems like a logical place for Edwards to land.

The Philadelphia Eagles have basically been issued an ultimatum by Donovan McNabb. Add some talent and I'll finish my career here. Braylon Edwards would compliment DeSean Jackson well, but both could be used as deep threats. The Eagles still need to add a power back to compliment Westbrook, as we've seen nothing from Tony Hunt thus far and Correll Buckhalter seems like an afterthought. The Eagles are another team that could be one player away from making it to the big show, but unlike the Giants, they have some age concerns, and if certain players don't hold up with these age concerns, then there will be some serious issues next year in Philadelphia whether or not they have Edwards. But with two first round picks, this could be just as logical a landing spot as New York.

The Bears haven't had great success with wide receivers. Generally it's been a receiver's graveyard, and I can't see Edwards' having much success there with Kyle Orton who isn't much of a threat to get the ball downfield. Chicago has quite a few needs along the offensive and defensive lines, so I can't see them committing an early pick to the attitude-deficient Edwards.

There's always a chance that Edwards and Winslow remain in Cleveland, but I see that as unlikely.

In the AFC West there are a couple of players that could move including LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Tony Gonzalez, and Larry Johnson. The most likely of these is battered and bruised Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Since signing a six-year 45.05 million dollar contract, Johnson has played in only 20 games. In those 20 games he's rushed for 1433 yards on 351 carries (4.1 ypc) and only six rushing touchdowns. Still, he showed this season that when healthy he might still be a reliable running back, but there can't be any doubt that the 'Curse of 370' coined by the men from Football Outsiders took a major toll on Larry Johnson after his 416 carry season.

If Johnson is traded and not just flat out released, he could find himself in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or even San Francisco. Johnson's trade value is probably around a 3rd or a 4th round pick, but the Chiefs probably are going to be asking for a Day One (1st or 2nd round pick). Johnson also has an assault charge coming and a court date. He could open the season on suspension, and with all the baggage that comes with him, chances are he's going to be flat out released.

Moving into the NFC, I don't see Terrell Owens getting dealt. He'll be retained or released.

The big name is Julius Peppers. He's been connected with several teams, and he said that he and his agent came up with a list of teams that he'd like to be deal to if he's franchised by the Panthers, which he was. Peppers has mentioned the Cowboys as a preferred landing spot (there are quite a few big name players who want to play in Dallas) but the Cowboys simply can't afford Peppers while they're trying to lock up DeMarcus Ware to a long-term deal. Even more importantly, they have Anthony Spencer waiting in the wings despite his lack of success and legal problems.

While recent reports say that he may stay with the Panthers because their asking price is too high, if he goes anywhere it'll be well out of the NFC South and more than likely out of the NFC. I doubt he lands in Dallas or Green Bay where Peppers name has been thrown around. If Peppers gets up out of dodge, then I think he could very well land in Miami. While the Dolphins have been active in free agency, Peppers has stated his desire to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and that would fit for Miami who has a need at the position. I can't see Parcells forking over the necessary draft picks, but it's definitely a thought.

Another potential landing spot for Peppers, if he wants his demand of a 3-4 OLB met, could land in Denver, but again, it seems unlikely that they want to pay him or give up the draft picks.

Chances are, Peppers is going to be in Carolina at least another year. Maybe longer.

It's going to be a very busy off-season.