NFL Trade Deadline 2016: Date, End Time, Hottest Rumors, Predictions and More
While the National Football League doesn't usually see a lot of in-season player acquisitions, such trades do occur. The Denver Broncos, for example, recently traded to pull tight end A.J. Derby from the New England Patriots.
The trades for Derby certainly isn't a headline-grabbing one, and it's typical of the types of in-season moves that take place in the NFL. Blockbuster trades don't happen often, but it's always fun to speculate on whether the current season will bring a pattern change.
With the 2016 trade deadline rapidly approaching, there have been plenty of rumors surrounding potential trade targets. We're going to run down the latest ones today, along with our predictions for what could actually happen before the market officially closes.
2016 NFL Trade Deadline
What: Official end of 2016 NFL trade period
Date: Tuesday, November 1
When: 4 p.m. ET
Hottest Potential Trade Targets
Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
The 2-5 New York Jets seem to be spinning the proverbial tires and appear on the verge of a lost season. This leaves open the possibility of trading away proven commodities in order to help build for the future.
Greg A. Bedard of SI.com recently suggested trading away wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
On one hand, it would make a bit of sense to move Marshall. He is 32 and in the second year of a three-year deal. If New York could get a high draft pick for him—a second-rounder or better—the team should be tempted.
If the Jets can't get a high pick for Marshall, though, it makes no sense to trade him. New York appears likely to turn to a young quarterback in the near future—either one on the roster or a future draft pick. Having a proven receiver and veteran leader like Marshall for that quarterback's development would be wise.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News recently spoke with a pair of unnamed NFL executives about Marshall's trade value. One suggested a fifth-round pick at best, the other suggested a sixth-rounder. This certainly doesn't feel like enough to warrant moving Marshall.
Prediction: Marshall stays put.
Joe Thomas, OT, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas is frequently the subject of trade rumors. He is a nine-time Pro Bowler and plays for a team in the beginning stages of a massive rebuild.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson has stated that the Browns won't trade Thomas, of course:
However, any decision on Thomas' future would likely come from executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown. Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole has reported that Brown could well move Thomas before Tuesday's deadline.
Trading Thomas doesn't make a lot of sense for Cleveland, as this newest rebuild will be difficult with him anchoring the line. The move really doesn't make sense if Cleveland is willing to deal him for a second-round pick. It would, however, make a lot of sense for a team looking to add Thomas, as Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently pointed out:
If the Browns deal Thomas to a contender like the Seattle Seahawks or Minnesota Vikings, they're likely to be getting a pick that comes late in the round order. A late second-round pick simply isn't enough for a guy currently rated as the sixth overall tackle by Pro Football Focus.
Prediction: Thomas only gets moved for multiple picks or a first-rounder.
Joe Staley, OT, San Francisco 49ers
Thomas isn't the only quality tackle that has been the subject of trade chatter. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported earlier this month that the San Francisco 49ers would be willing to move Joe Staley in exchange for a first-round pick.
Staley, who is rated 16th overall among tackles by Pro Football Focus, could certainly boost a struggling offensive line.
Jason Cole reports that the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts are among teams that could be interested.
Like Jackson in Cleveland, 49ers head coach Chip Kelly has denied any interest in trading his left tackle.
"No one's ever talked to me (or had) discussions with me about Joe being traded," Kelly said, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. "We need Joe here."
The 49ers are another team undertaking a massive rebuild, and trading away a building block like Staley doesn't make sense. If someone actually does offer a first-round pick, though, the 49ers could bite. Such a deal could secure San Francisco's ability to snag their favorite quarterback in the 2017 draft.
Prediction: No team offers a first-round pick. Staley stays put.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery had his name come up in trade rumors, likely because of his contract situation and the state of the franchise.
Jeffery is playing on the franchise tag, and the 1-6 Bears aren't going to be title contenders this season. There's no guarantee that Jeffery will be around beyond 2016, and getting something in return for him while possible would make some sense.
However, such a deal would be incredibly hard to pull off. Any team dealing for Jeffery would be unable to extend him until the offseason, per the collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, the Bears would be unlikely to receive proper compensation in relations to Jeffery's ability.
Unless the Bears are really anxious to avoid paying Jeffery for the remainder of the season, this one just doesn't make sense.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t/ NFL.com's Chris Wesseling) has reported that there is simply no merit to the rumors of a Jeffery trade.
Prediction: Jeffery finishes the season in Chicago.
Darren McFadden, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Another player who has recently heard his name in trade rumors is Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden. The former first-round pick led the Cowboys with 1,089 yards rushing in 2015 but is likely seen as expendable by the team now.
Not only has McFadden been sidelined since the start of the season with an elbow injury, but he has seen rookie back Ezekiel Elliott establish himself as the starter.
Now, though, McFadden is healthy and ready to play.
"Elbow is feeling great," McFadden said earlier this month, per Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Just sitting back and waiting for my time to get back on the field. It’s pretty much up to the coaches. I’m ready to go, so it’s just based off their decision."
It seems likely that the Cowboys will decide Elliott and backup Alfred Morris belong at the top of the depth chart.
There are plenty of potential destinations that could offer McFadden a shot at the top job, though. The Vikings, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions have all lost primary running backs this season.
Each of these teams is leading or still in its respective division race. Acquiring McFadden would make sense for any of them. Moving McFadden would make sense for the Cowboys if they aren't going to find a role for him this season.
Prediction: Dallas moves McFadden before the deadline.
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