Five NFL Players Who Should Have Been Traded Before the Deadline

The NFL trade deadline passed rather quietly on Tuesday with only one deal.

The Rams traded Will Witherspoon to the Eagles. While Witherspoon should be an impact player on the Eagles, taking over at middle linebacker, it wasn’t the big name deal we all were hoping for.

With that being said, here are five players that should have been dealt before the deadline.

1. Brady Quinn

Quinn can’t be blamed for the Brown’s struggles but he was the scapegoat.

He has still has plenty of talent and if surrounded by a better supporting cast he could show that. The 2007 first round pick has never gotten a fair shot in Cleveland and Eric Mangini has chosen Derek Anderson as his man, ending the Quinn era in Cleveland.

The Browns should try and ask around to see what they could get for him. A team like the Redskins, whose offense better suits Quinn, could be interested. Perhaps the Panthers, who have no one behind Jake Delhomme, would make a play for Quinn.

2. Shawne Merriman

Merriman is in the last year of his deal and it appears the Chargers have no intention of keeping him behind this. His play has leveled off this year but the talent is still there. A change of scenery could work wonders from him.

The 49ers look like a good fit. They are a playoff contender but could use another piece to solidify their spot. Mike Singletary would whip him into shape, motivate him and get him back to his form from a few years ago.

3. Michael Vick

It’s only been four games but I think we can say the Michael Vick experiment has been a failure.

They brought him in to run the Wildcat but the problem is that he’s not even the best Wildcat quarterback on the team. DeSean Jackson, Brian Westbrook, and LeSean McCoy are all better than Vick at running the Wildcat.

At this point he’s only a possible distraction to a team that can contend for a Super Bowl. The Eagles have a big option for Vick in the off season which they won’t pick up so it’d be smart to get something for him now.

There is only one team that makes sense for Vick: the Raiders. Al Davis would welcome Vick with open arms to the team. JaMarcus Russell has been beyond terrible and he can come in be the starter before the end of the season.

4. Chiefs trade Dwayne Bowe

Bowe is the Chiefs only weapon on offense but the Chiefs has shown they’re willing to deal anyone. Couple that with the fact that Bowe was in Todd Haley’s doghouse before the season and a deal could go down.

The Ravens seem like an ideal target. Flacco is developing into an elite quarterback but needs a go to receiver, which Bowe could provide. The Bears could also be a fit. Bowe would team great with and the Bears have shown they’re not afraid to trade future picks.

5. Bills trade Marshawn Lynch

The first three weeks of the season while Lynch was suspended Fred Jackson did a fantastic job of filling in totaling 425 yards. Then when Lynch came back they decided to give him the majority of the carries. Perhaps one of the reasons the Bills are 1-4 and Dick Jauron is on the verge of being fired.

The Bills would be fine with Jackson as their lead back and could get nice value for Lynch. I could see the Seahawks being a very nice match for Lynch. They could use a back, as Julius Jones isn’t anything to write home about. Lynch could be the piece that puts the Seahawks ahead of the 49ers and Cardinals in the NFC West.