Antonio Cromartie Trade Talk: Eight Possible Running Back Trades

In a rare event in the NFL, and maybe in an effort to compete with NBA trade rumors, a scenario has emerged about the Chargers reportedly shopping Antonio Cromartie.

While it may be surprising to some that any playoff team would trade one of the best players in the league at his position, for the right value, it makes a lot of sense.

First, the Chargers have depth at cornerback. Quentin Jammer is one of the better cornerbacks in the league as well. Antonie Cason, former first round pick, is also waiting in the wings and is very capable of starting.

With LT gone and Darren Sproles unlikely to be the answer regardless of whether he's brought back or not, the need at running back is huge right now and may not be able to just be quenched through the draft.

So, we'll look at eight very real possibilities on where Cromartie could end up and which running back he'd be exchanged for.

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Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys

The first player that surfaced once word of Cromartie's availability became noticed, Choice is an intriguing fit for the Chargers.

Obviously Jerry Jones would like to add an athletic freak to his defense, but the question is if Cromartie's worth it or not.

Choice is a favorite in the Cowboys organization, and some actually favor his potential now over current starter Marion Barber. However, the real question is whether the Cowboys could use Cromartie.

Mike Jenkins emerged as a starter this season, and his potential has the team excited. Plus, Terrence Newman is still under contract, and it seems the Cowboys haven't believed reports that he's the most overrated cornerback in the league.

Though Jones may be on board talent-wise, it doesn't seem like a perfect fit.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

With arguably just as much depth as the Chargers at cornerback, this trade doesn't make sense for that reason alone.

However, with Mike Goodson behind starter DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers could likely get something substantial in return for the former first rounder Stewart.

Maybe a three team trade with a team who really needs Cromartie might help, but in the NFL, that's very unlikely.

Still, I wouldn't rule out the Panthers getting a talent like Cromartie for an expendable running back.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers aren't really known for trading players outside of the draft, but with both a need and an expendable piece, they could toy with the idea of making a move.

Rashard Mendenhall has been waiting to become the full time starter, and it's safe to say that Willie Parker has fallen out of favor with the team. He no longer helps them enough to warrant consistent playing time and carries.

However, his speed and quickness makes him a little bit bigger version of Darren Sproles. He could be paired with another running back if the Chargers draft one this year.

Because of the lack of value they'd get back, I would imagine the Chargers would ask for a third or fourth round pick as well.

Even then, I think the Chargers could get better value than a worn out back who seems to be scared to go up the middle.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills

As it seems to be a common occurrence, many teams with expendable running backs don't have a glaring need for a cornerback.

However, the Bills are likely anxious to get rid of the off the field issue that is Marshawn Lynch.

With Fred Jackson playing well enough to be a starter much of the year, they don't have to put up with it anymore.

Terrence McGee, Drayton Florence, and Leodis McKelvin are three solid corners to build around. But Florence is a free agent in 2011, and McGee could be better in the nickel.

Though a stretch, the Bills could look to retool the team with a new coach. Getting rid of a talented, issue-plagued player, regardless of position, could represent an upgrade.

Brandon Jackson, Green Bay

Now we get into some of the very real possibilities if the rumor reports are true.

The Packers may be the team with the biggest need for a young cornerback. Both Charles Woodson and Al Harris are over 30 and are on the downslope of their career.

For the Packers, they would do this trade in a heartbeat and likely will be happy to include a second or third rounder.

However, I don't know if the Chargers will be content enough to have Jackson paired with a rookie running back as their tandem going into the 2010-11 season.

Still, the Packers would love to figure this out and get it done. At the end of the day, it could be the best option and offer.

Laurence Maroney, New England

I've always felt that the Patriots just get it. They get when to use the draft to build a nucleus of a team. They get when to pay for free agents that solidify the roster. And they get when to trade draft picks or players to put their team over the top.

With their window of Super Bowl potential closing in three to four years, the time to win has to be now.

They've done a great job in getting depth in the secondary, but no one has emerged as a staple to play cornerback.

The only solid starter from last season, Leigh Bodden, is likely going to leave via free agency.

They'll need a replacement of some form.

Also, they have five running backs on their roster. All of them have seen NFL playing time, and almost all are capable of carrying the ball 10-15 times a game.

Therefore, the inconsistent Maroney could be viewed as not necessary. With their plethora of second rounders this year, New England could find a replacement easily.

The Chargers can't be choosers when it comes to who they get. If they can nail a former first rounder who has the talent to be a yearly 1,000-yard rusher, they should be happy if they can do this relatively straight up.

Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens

Maybe my favorite scenario of this trade rumor, I think this could be the ticket for the Chargers in this trade market...

If the Ravens bite.

At times the third running back on the Ravens team, McGahee is the "veteran" back for Baltimore.

Although he had 12 touchdowns last season, he isn't used as much as he could.

With Samari Rolle gone and probably done for his career, the Ravens need a feature cornerback to be complemented by opposite starter Dominique Foxworth.

McGahee would be a great fit for the Chargers. He fits their downhill running system, has solid receiving ability, is willing to block, and he could play well with another running back if they draft one.

A mutual need filled for both teams, I'd pick this trade as the most likely to happen come crunch time for the Chargers.

Check out www.NFLHouse.com for more great information and insight. Contact me at [e-mail].