NFL Rumors: Top Trade Buzz Surrounding Josh Gordon, Sheldon Richardson and More

After the New England Patriots shockingly traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns on Monday, intrigue surrounding Tuesday's NFL trade deadline picked up, as several big names are reportedly on the block.

Although in-season trading is somewhat rare in the NFL, plenty of quality players on struggling teams could potentially be had for the right price, and such moves could have a massive impact on the AFC and NFC playoff races.

With the deadline quickly approaching, here is a rundown of some of the top rumors that could produce blockbuster deals Tuesday.

Josh Gordon

Troubled Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon ended his rehab stint on Oct. 30, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, and his name has come up in trade rumblings as he awaits word on reinstatement from his suspension.

Gordon was eligible for reinstatement after four weeks, but he instead opted to enter a rehab clinic. Following that decision, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Austin Knoblauch) reported that the Browns intended to release him.

That has yet to happen, and with Gordon potentially nearing a return and the trade deadline approaching, he has emerged as an obvious candidate to be moved.

Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, however, a source said a deal prior to the trade deadline is "highly unlikely."

A major factor working against the possibility of a deal involving Gordon is that it's still unknown if or when he will be reinstated this season.

Even so, if Cleveland has no interest in giving Gordon another shot, it would be wise to trade him regardless of the return.

If the Browns can get something as little as a conditional seventh-round pick for Gordon, there is little reason not to do it since releasing him would yield no assets.

It is unlikely that a team would give up much for Gordon because of the uncertainty surrounding him, but he is worth a flier for a team in need of wideout help.

The 2013 season was the last time Gordon appeared in more than five games in a single year, and he delivered to the tune of 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns as a first-team All-Pro.

Getting anywhere near that level of production for even just one month is worth the risk, and there is no harm in inquiring about what it would take to land the controversial star.

Sheldon Richardson

New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is among the most talented players at his position in the NFL, but there is incentive for Gang Green to part ways with him if the team can find a willing partner.

That reportedly isn't an issue, as multiple teams have inquired about Richardson's availability, per Rapoport.

Richardson has just one year remaining on his contract beyond 2016, and the Jets already have two similar players in Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams. Wilkerson recently received a big contract, and Williams will be in line for one in the not-so-distant future.

The 25-year-old has 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks to his credit this season for the Jets and is just two years removed from a year that saw him register 66 tackles and a career-high eight sacks en route to his first and only Pro Bowl.

While Richardson's talent is undeniable, he carries some baggage that could scare teams away. Richardson was suspended four games in 2015 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and for the first game of 2016 for violating the personal conduct policy.

According to New York Newsday (h/t CBS New York), Richardson's off-field issues may prevent teams from parting with the assets the Jets want in return.

Richardson is a potential defense-changing talent because of his ability to excel at multiple positions and impact the game in myriad ways, but dealing him would essentially be an admission of defeat for the Jets.

New York has won two straight and is far from out of the playoff race at 3-5, so keeping Richardson in the fold is likely its best bet, especially since it can deal him in the offseason if it so chooses.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast one of the NFL's most talented wide receivers in Mike Evans, but the depth behind him leaves plenty to be desired.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Bucs are in the market for a complementary wideout, and they may be willing to give up some solid assets in order to get one:

Tampa appeared to be strong at receiver, but veteran Vincent Jackson was placed on injured reserve with an ACL injury, which left it thin.

Aside from Evans, quarterback Jameis Winston has been forced to rely on Adam Humphries, Cecil Shorts, Russell Shepard and Freddie Martino.

Humphries has stepped up with 25 grabs for 291 yards, but the others have combined for a mere 11 receptions.

Tampa's offense is based on having two big receivers who can outleap defensive backs on the outside, and Jackson's absence takes that element out of the equation.

Alshon Jeffery of the Chicago Bears and Brandon Marshall of the New York Jets could fit the bill, but it is unclear how serious either team would be about dealing them.

Any big receiver has a chance to produce and thrive immediately with the Bucs because of the opportunity available and the presence of Winston, and Tampa needs reinforcements soon if it hopes to keep pace in the NFC playoff race.

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