NFL Trade Speculation: One Move Each Team Must Make

Free agency is right around the corner and the draft is not much further down the road. 

So Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and the rest of the hot topics will soon have landing spots. But even if we weren't sure where they'd land, we all knew that they were going to have new uniforms in September.

But how about some of the more unexpected moves. Yes, I mean trades. Players who are under contract and don't have to be moved. 

Trades have a rich history in the NFL and have—in many cases overnight—altered the direction of franchises sorely in need of an upgrade.

All 32 teams would be wise to try and pry these players away from their current rights-holders.

New England Patriots

Trade For: Leon Washington, KR, Seattle Seahawks

Offense isn't the Pats problem, well at least not their passing offense.

But they still could use a boost to their return game. New England had the NFL's fourth-worst kick return average in 2012 and haven't had a game-breaker on special teams for quite some time. 

Washington remains one of the NFL's most consistent kickoff return specialists, and would provide a spark. As a nice by-product, Washington would be able to reduce the sting should BenJarvus Green-Ellis leave as a free agent.

Granted, the Seahawks aren't going to want to part with him for cheap, but he's due over $2 million a season for the next three years and they have Marshawn Lynch's huge contract to pay. Besides, the Pats can afford to give up draft choices. 

New York Jets

Trade For: Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys

If DeMarco Murray comes back healthy and delivers the type of stunning output as he did as a rookie, then Jones' value will only diminish.

Right now might be the best time to unload Jones when he's still an intriguing player: After 2012, he becomes a free agent and the Cowboys would get nothing for his departure.

LaDainian Tomlinson is not going to be back with the Jets, and although Shonn Greene has enormous potential, you've got to figure the Jets will keep a two-back system, especially with Tony Sparano coming in. 

Miami Dolphins

Trade For: Parys Haralson, OLB, Miami Dolphins

Tinkering with a team like the 49ers—who achieved so much in Jim Harbaugh's first year—would probably be a mistake. 

But if they have a surplus, it's on defense, specifically at the outside linebacker spot. They just gave Ahmad Brooks an extension and Aldon Smith had a phenomenal rookie season.

Sure, Smith was mostly a one-dimensional player (pass rushing) while Haralson can do a ton more, but look for Smith to show significant improvement between is first and second year.

And whether or not the Dolphins land Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark or any other Indianapolis transports, the defense will undergo significant changes in 2012. 

Buffalo Bills

Trade For: Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants

Obviously one of the players you wouldn't be surprised to see dealt, Umenyiora is still unhappy about his contract...and the fact that he thinks he was mislead about an extension. 

Reports are that the two sides are closer than they were before, but if the Giants stop to think about the issue for a minute, they might not want to commit to a 30-year-old who has had some injury issues, especially when they really should do all they can to commit long-term to Jason Pierre-Paul.

It seems unlikely that they'd deal Umenyiora to anyone in the NFC, so an AFC team makes the most sense, and the Bills—who will be switching back to a 4-3 under Dave Wannstedt—would love him. 

Baltimore Ravens

Trade For: Shaun Phillips, OLB, San Diego Chargers

In Sergio Kindle, the Ravens have a nice backup plan if Jarrett Johnson leaves as a free agent (which I think he will, as they can't afford to pay him what he wants in the open market).

But the Ravens window is closing fast and to put a second-year player like Kindle in there with very limited NFL experience (let alone experience in a 3-4) could be a huge issue going forward.

Phillips is a fine outside linebacker, but he'll be 31 in May, is making $4.4 million next year and is a free agent after 2012. If the Chargers can get a draft pick in return, it might be in their long-term interest.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Trade For: Chris Ivory, RB, New Orleans Saints

If there's a comforting piece of news for the Saints right now—in the face of the failed negotiations with Drew Brees and the bounty scandal—it's that they are absolutely overloaded with running backs.

Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas are excellent and Mark Ingram Jr. should take the next step in his third year. 

Although he's just 23, Ivory has had some injury problems, which might make him the odd man out. 

With Rashard Mendenhall on the shelf for a while, Pittsburgh is going to have to find a way to address the running back position, and Jonathan Dwyer, John Clay and Isaac Redman do not have a hold of the starter's job. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Trade For: Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills

Although the Bills claim they are in the process of giving Fred Jackson the extension he sorely needs, I don't see it happening. They spent a top 10 pick on C.J. Spiller, who they do like, and Jackson is 31 and coming off a leg injury.

As far as they're concerned, that money would be much better spent on a leaky defense.

With Cedric Benson most likely gone and Bernard Scott the only other real option, Jackson would be a nice fit and could free up the Bengals' burgeoning passing attack. 

Cleveland Browns

Trade For: John Beck, QB, Washington Redskins

Who knows what the Browns are thinking about the quarterback position.

They're out of the running for Robert Griffin III, but they would probably take a look at Ryan Tannehill if he's available at 22, and there have been reports that they are interested in Brandon Weeden later on.

But either way, with Seneca Wallace failing to show very much improvement, they are going to need a veteran backup to pair with Colt McCoy and one of the rookies they bring in.

Beck is almost certainly out of a job in D.C. now that RG3 is coming to town, so he has at least a shot in Cleveland of starting a few games. 

Houston Texans

Trade For: Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Here's the first shocker of the list. White seems to be a key member of that Falcons offense, so why would they want to trade him when he's under contract through 2014?

Because last year he showed flashes of his dropsies again, and I wouldn't be surprised if Matt Ryan starts to rely on Julio Jones way more in 2012. Are there enough balls around to satisfy him, Jones, Tony Gonzalez AND keep Michael Turner as the focal point? 

From Houston's perspective, they should be willing to give away a ton to get someone to play opposite Andre Johnson. And since the Falcons don't have a first-round pick, the Texans' 26th pick might be enough.  

Tennessee Titans

Trade For: Chris Clemons, DE, Seattle Seahawks

The Titans interior defensive line is stacked for years to come, but that doesn't mean quite as much unless they can rush the passer from the edges; and remember their 28 sacks were worst in the AFC, second worst in the NFL.

Clemons is 30 years old and a free agent after 2012, and since the Seahawks already showed a willingness to deal a solid veteran and staple of their defense (Aaron Curry), I wouldn't be surprised to see them do it again. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trade For: Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

Here it is. The "other shoe," as some might call it, of the Peyton Manning deal.

Who knows if Manning will wind up in Denver, but the fact that they are so interested in him does show that the "endorsement" of Tim Tebow was a sham.

Having Tebow on the bench would greatly reduce all the progress he made the last season, and now that he has a taste for starting (with great TEAM success), he's not going to want to take a back seat to anyone, even Peyton Manning.

As for the Jags and the fact that they have Blaine Gabbert? Meaningless. Not only is Tebow a hero in north Florida, his presence would instantly make the Jags relevant again. 

Indianapolis Colts

Trade For: Kyle Williams, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Like Billy Cundiff in Baltimore, Kyle Williams is going to have a tough time living down the fumbles in the conference championship game. 

One possible solution for both parties would be a change of scenery and the Colts would make a nice trading partner with the 49ers, who can replace Williams with Ted Ginn as a returner and turn to Randy Moss at wide receiver if need be. 

And the Colts will certainly need some more pass catchers given the likely departure of Reggie Wayne and possibly Pierre Garcon. 

Denver Broncos

Trade For: Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins

Something has to give in Washington now that they are bringing in RG3 and have showed an interest in Vincent Jackson.

Cooley has been a popular and productive player, but he'll be 30 years old this summer and is on the books for roughly $4 million per year over the next two years.

Denver has a potentially excellent pass catcher in Demaryius Thomas, but they could use a pass catching tight end (Daniel Fells is a free agent) regardless of whether it's Tim Tebow or Peyton Manning behind center. 

San Diego Chargers

Trade For: Anthony Dixon, RB, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have their backfield of the present (Frank Gore) and backfield of the future (Kendall Hunter) presumably locked up. 

As we saw during 2011, Dixon really wasn't in Jim Harbaugh's plans, and there are some out there who believe he'll be cut this offseason.

But I think he still has value and with Mike Tolbert a free agent, the Chargers are likely going to need a big back to take the load off of Ryan Matthews. 

Oakland Raiders

Trade For: Shawntae Spencer, CB, Oakland Raiders

In addition to unloading Stanford Routt, the Raiders might have another cornerback spot to worry about since Lito Sheppard is a free agent; he's also entering his 11th year.

Sure there is young talent on the roster (Bryan McCann, Chimdi Chekwa, DeMarcus Van Dyke) but a proven veteran would be ideal. 

Spencer is reasonably priced at $3 million per season and has the type of experience and leadership that the entire Raiders secondary would benefit from. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Trade For: Jason Smith, OT, St. Louis Rams

The Chiefs are believed to be one of the teams in the running for a top-tier tackle in the first round of this year's draft: Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff. 

But right tackle isn't the only need for the Chiefs. They might lose Dwayne Bowe and Brandon Carr to free agency.

So, if they're willing to take on his enormous salary, they shouldn't have to give up too much to pry Jason Smith away from the Rams, who very well might cut the former second overall pick. 

New York Giants

Trade For: Tony Scheffler, TE, Detroit Lions

It's no great surprise this offseason: The Giants absolutely need a tight end. They lost Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard, who both suffered serious injuries in the Super Bowl.

Maybe they'll spend a high pick on one, but with this team again expected to contend for a Super Bowl, a veteran who is ready to start on day one would be better.

The Lions aren't falling over themselves to deal Scheffler, but Brandon Pettigrew is younger and is making far less money next season. And with Calvin Johnson, do you really need two pass catching tight ends? 

Dallas Cowboys

Trade For: Aqib Talib, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As was the case last offseason, both of Dallas' starting corners, Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins, could be on the chopping block. They make so much for not terribly overwhelming production. 

In the NFC East, the Cowboys need better from the secondary: Eli Manning, Michael Vick, and now Robert Griffin III will be serious threats for years to come, especially since Rob Ryan has such a love for pressure. 

Talib isn't making a ton next year, and if there's someone who will be willing to pay him close to what he's worth, it's Jerry Jones. 

Besides, for all Talib accomplished, his biggest supporter (Rahim Morris) is gone, plus he's a free agent after 2012 and Tampa won't pay him the big money he'll want.

Philadelphia Eagles

Trade For: Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans Saints

The Eagles' (and Jim Washburn's) Wide Nine defense was most efficient in Tennessee a few years back when Albert Haynesworth was in shape, motivated, and therefore dominating at the defensive tackle position. 

Right now, it remains to be seen if the Eagles have that interior player: Sure Cullen Jenkins put up decent sack numbers, but he might not be the hole-plugger they need.

Ellis has shown that ability in his short time with New Orleans, but he's making over $5 million next year and then becomes a free agent. Last year, the Saints gave up their first rounder to grab Mark Ingram Jr., and maybe they can add another pick this year by parting with Ellis. 

Washington Redskins

Trade For: Jacoby Ford, WR, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have done a fine job of collecting young and talented wide receivers: Louis Murphy, Denarius Moore, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford.  

But there are obviously huge holes on this roster, and if they can part with one of them, they should, especially since they will not have a first round draft choice for the second straight April. 

And since Ford is the most multi-talented (he's an outstanding kick returner), he might be the most appealing. He's also the cheapest, something the Redskins will need considering the money they will spend this offseason. 

Green Bay Packers

Trade For: Glenn Dorsey, DT/DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Say what you will about the deficiencies in the Packers defense—that secondary did not play half as well in 2011 as it did in 2010—but the lack of a pass rush is the most troubling.

Losing Cullen Jenkins—who was perfect in that scheme in 2010—was one of the biggest and most overlooked elements of last year's offseason. 

They need another strong presence to play the 3-4 end to get back to where they were in 2010.

Romeo Crennel won't like giving up the former top-five pick, but they have Tyson Jackson, and Allen Bailey could be a fine replacement for Dorsey, who becomes a free agent after next season. 

Detroit Lions

Trade For: Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans

Signing Arian Foster to a huge deal doesn't exactly make Ben Tate expendable, but there are so many teams out there that need help at running back, and the Texans can really add pieces elsewhere if they trade him.

He's making next to nothing and had a fantastic season last year in limited duty. 

And although the Lions have two very promising talents in Jahvid Best and Mikel LeShoure, neither is terribly reliable in terms of health—and who knows what they will get out of LeShoure coming back from the Achilles injury he suffered last year.

In short, Tate can bring much needed balance to that wonderful passing game. 

Chicago Bears

Trade For: Kellen Winslow II, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I was surprised that the Bears dealt away Greg Olsen last offseason: You can chalk that up to Mike Martz's philosophies.

Now they can try to make up for that mistake, and perhaps upgrade at the spot.

Winslow has gone largely unnoticed during his time in Tampa Bay, but he's had two very good seasons (66 catches in 2010, 75 catches in 2011) and stayed healthy. And since they have Luke Stocker going forward, they won't be leaving the cupboard bare.  

Minnesota Vikings

Trade For: Asante Samuel, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Even more so than Osi Umenyiora, Samuel has made it known that he wants out of Philly, and why shouldn't he? Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are not going anywhere. 

And although the Vikings have already shelled out a great deal of money to cornerbacks on their roster (Cedric Griffin, Antoine Winfield), and Samuel would be making eight figures, they sorely need help in the secondary.

But in that division, with Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings have to do everything they can to improve their pass defense. 

New Orleans Saints

Trade For: Jason Avant, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Marques Colston might be gone, so might Robert Meachem, so even if Jimmy Graham is now "the future" of that receiving corps, they have to fill those voids.

Don't expect them to do so via free agency or with a high pick (since they don't have a first rounder this year, they may have to replace other needs with the second rounder), but Avant is a cheaper, albeit lower profile receiver.

He's had a few solid seasons as the third guy behind Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, and would do the same in New Orleans. 

Atlanta Falcons

Trade For: Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts

The Falcons aren't going to re-sign John Abraham, and if their interest in Mario Williams starts to wain over his enormous contract demands, this is the perfect Plan B.

Freeney is coming to the "twilight" of his career, but he's still extremely productive and the Colts are certainly willing to shop him. 

There aren't that many great pass rushing 4-3 defensive ends around, and if the Falcons can nab one, they'll try. 

Carolina Panthers

Trade For: Lance Briggs, OLB, Chicago Bears 

Like Asante Samuel, Briggs was one of the outspoken "I want to be traded" players of 2011. 

Sure he backed off that stance during the regular season and has said all the right things this offseason, but if he can go somewhere else and get the contract he wants, he'll change his position.

Briggs had two of his best seasons as a pro under Ron Rivera back in 2005 and 2006, and now that Rivera is looking for more help in Carolina, it's a natural fit. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trade For: Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Another fairly surprising entry and another one involving a high-profile wide receiver.

Austin's hamstring was the reason his numbers dipped substantially in 2011, but he sure is making a lot of money to not be the focal point of an offense: Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and if they re-sign Laurent Robinson, all have to be fed the ball.

Austin would be hailed as a near savior in Tampa Bay, where the receiving corps is mediocre at best and Josh Freeman needs someone he can trust. 

San Francisco 49ers

Trade For: Jabar Gaffney, WR, Washington Redskins

Although the Braylon Edwards experiment turned out to be a huge failure, I don't think that will deter the 49ers from bringing in veteran wide outs to mentor their young collection of talents, specifically Michael Crabtree.

Signing Randy Moss has become a distinct possibility in the past few days, but he probably doesn't fall into the category of "mentor," so another option—cheaper than some of the big name free agents out there—makes more sense. 

Gaffney had an outstanding season in 2011, and since the Redskins are going to be short on draft picks for a long time to come, they could grab one back (mid-round) if they part with the 31-year-old who has just one year left on his deal. 

Seattle Seahawks

Trade For: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Carolina Panthers 

The Seahawks are reportedly out of the running for Peyton Manning, and even if they do believe Tarvaris Jackson is "the guy," they only have him under contract for one more season.

So while drafting a quarterback—perhaps Ryan Tannehill—is a possibility, they too have plenty of other needs, needs that would be greatly filled by an offensive lineman or wide receiver early in the first round. 

Obviously, Clausen won't be supplanting Cam Newton in Carolina, and their best bet is to bring in a veteran who can run the offense in a pinch and maybe teach Super Cam some of the finer points of the position.  

Besides, if it doesn't work, Pete Carroll probably thinks he can still get Matt Barkley in 2013. 

Arizona Cardinals

Trade For: Rob Ninkovich, OLB, New England Patriots

No one needs more help at the outside linebacker position than Arizona. 

And while Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield have potential, a veteran player like Ninkovich can become a nice, cheaper option for the Cardinals, who very well could be paying two quarterbacks (Peyton Manning, Kevin Kolb) over $20 million next year.

The Pats wouldn't part with Ninkovich easily because he's not making much, is a productive player, and a great work ethic guy, but they need to get more pressure off the edges and might overspend in free agency (Mario Williams? Jarettt Johnson?) to do so. 

St. Louis Rams

Trade For: Steve Breaston, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Now that Todd Haley is gone, Breaston might not be in the Chiefs' long-term plans. If they can unload his contract and put it towards re-signing Dwayne Bowe, they will.

The Rams have to upgrade at the wide receiver position, but because they swapped with the Rams it's almost a certainty that they won't have a shot at Justin Blackmon—no way he slips past both Cleveland and Tampa Bay.

With Danny Amendola coming back and nice youngsters in Danario Alexander, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis, Breaston would be a nice veteran piece to add.