NFL Trade Deadline: Rounding Up the Latest Chatter from Around the League

Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

As its clock runs closer to 24 hours remaining, the NFL's extended trade deadline continues to be a lot more bark than bite. 

As fast as rumors arise, reporters or front offices are shooting the prospects down. That may continue to be the case through Thursday's deadline. 

Just one trade has been passed through so far, with Jacksonville sending receiver Mike Thomas to Detroit for a 2014 fifth-round pick. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com was the first to report the move Tuesday. 

In the following slides, we'll update you on the latest chatter from potential trade-deadline deals.

RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Coaches and front offices don't always tell the truth in the NFL, but unless Rams head coach Jeff Fisher stepped to the podium Tuesday and told a stone-faced lie, St. Louis will not be dealing running back Steven Jackson before Thursday's deadline. 

Here's what Fisher said regarding the Jackson trade rumors, from the Rams official website:

Fisher also quickly addressed the rumors of a trade of RB Steven Jackson. He said Jackson is “still our running back” and that they aren’t calling anyone to deal him nor are other teams calling about him. It really doesn’t appear Jackson is going anywhere despite the rumors that are out there. Trade deadline is coming before the week is out.

The Rams were reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen to be fielding calls for Jackson before Sunday's games in Week 8. The Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals have been tied to the trade speculation. 

RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Multiple playoff teams have reportedly been interested in dealing for Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, but Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer does not think a deal is coming anytime soon. 

That may mean Williams stays in Carolina past the deadline.

From Person Tuesday:

A trade involving Williams is more likely, although not imminent. The Panthers have $43.5 million in guaranteed money committed to Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who has replaced Williams as the starter.

A major hurdle for any team dealing for Williams is his ridiculous contract, which includes $18.25 million over the last three years and $2.6 million to finish off 2012. 

WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

Peter Aiken/Getty Images

Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe has wanted out of Kansas City for some time, but his wish isn't likely to be granted before Thursday's deadline. 

ESPN.com's John Clayton all but eliminated the chance of Bowe being dealt this season. 

Speaking on NFL Live (via Rotoworld), Clayton said there is "virtually no chance" that the Chiefs pull off the move before the deadline. Most around the league have echoed that thought, for obvious money reasons. 

Any team dealing for Bowe would inherit over $5 million in guaranteed salary over the remainder of 2012, and Bowe is an unrestricted free agent this coming spring. An expensive rental who would need time to pick up an offense, Bowe is staying put in Kansas City for 2012.

WR Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

US PRESSWIRE

DeAngelo Williams isn't the only Panther generating trade buzz as the deadline draws near. 

According to Person at the Charlotte Observer, at least one NFC team had or continues to have interest in dealing for receiver Steve Smith. 

An NFC team inquired about the availability of veteran wideout Steve Smith on Sunday, but there has been no trade offer and no follow-up talks, a team source said Tuesday...Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported that multiple teams had inquired about Smith, who signed a three-year contract extension in April.

Smith signed a new, four-year deal in April, so there's no reason to think the Panthers would want to ship out their top receiver. While owed $17.75 million over the next three years before his $9 million option in 2016 kicks in, Smith has just a $3.75 million cap number for the 2013 season. 

He remains cheap, under contract for several years and the Panthers' only reliable receiving option for a failing offense. Smith isn't going anywhere.

QB Tim Tebow, New York Jets

Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Any reports on the Jacksonville Jaguars attempting to swing a deal with the New York Jets for quarterback Tim Tebow has been quickly shot down. 

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer (via Kevin Patra at NFL.com), the two teams have had no such discussion regarding a trade with Tebow. 

A report from ActionNewsJax.com stirred up the trade talk Tuesday night when it reported that the Jaguars were making a serious play for Tebow. That report has since been taken down from the site. 

The Jets sent two 2012 draft picks to the Denver Broncos for Tebow this past offseason. While used in a limited fashion, Tebow doesn't appear headed out of New York this season. 

OT Bryant McKinnie, Baltimore Ravens

Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Finally, we get to a trade link that has yet to be bunked, and actually makes a lot of sense for both teams. 

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, the Arizona Cardinals have interest in adding out-of-favor tackle Bryant McKinnie of the Baltimore Ravens. 

McKinnie played but 23 offensive snaps in the last three Ravens game. But he'd be a good temporary Band-Aid for the reeling Cardinals, who I hear have some interest in him. They should. Their two starting tackles are the lowest-rated tackles in the NFL, according to ProFootballFocus.com, which has Bobbie Massie and D'Anthony Batiste blamed for the incredible total of 25 sacks and 74 quarterback hits or hurries—in eight games!

King's stats from Pro Football Focus tell the story. Arizona, home to the NFL's worst pass-blocking offensive line, needs serious help at both tackle positions. McKinnie, 33, continues to fall down the depth chart in Baltimore. 

The fit probably makes too much sense to actually happen.