NFL Trade Deadline 2014: Latest Rumors and Predictions After Week 8

The 2014 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, October 28 at 4 p.m. ET, and the rumors of potential deals have football fans excited about what could be an eventful day.

While the deadline usually doesn’t feature blockbuster trades, the New York Jets' acquisition of wide receiver Percy Harvin and chatter surrounding big names such as Vincent Jackson, Doug Martin and Nate Washington have the sports world buzzing.

Here are the latest rumors and the predicted landing spot for each star.

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Doug Martin a Possible Trade Option?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has the skill to be one of the best offensive players in the league, but he has not shown the same speed and explosiveness this season that he showcased in his rookie season.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, “Teams have already approached Tampa Bay about Martin, and some around the league believe that the Buccaneers would be willing to deal him for the right price before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, according to sources.”

Martin left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and did not return. Before his injury, he had only racked up 27 yards on 10 carries and looked completely ineffective. With only 166 rushing yards all season, it is clear that Martin is not finding success in Tampa Bay.

A trade before the deadline would be the best-case scenario for the franchise and the player.

For the Buccaneers, a trade would allow the team to start rookie Charles Sims once he returns from the injured reserve. Sims is the player the coaching staff brought in to be the future, and a possible departure for Martin would open the door for Sims to start right away.

On the other hand, Martin would get the change of scenery he needs. With an offensive unit that actually wants to utilize his skill set, Martin could return to his previous elite form and be a dangerous weapon for a team in postseason contention.

With Stevan Ridley’s season-ending injury in New England and the team’s relationship with Tampa Bay, the Patriots should be front-runners to land Martin. If Tom Brady had a back like Martin at his disposal, the team would be even more dangerous.

Predicted Landing Spot: New England Patriots

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Tampa Bay Fielding Calls for Vincent Jackson?

While Martin may be a trade target at the deadline, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be big sellers if the right deal presents itself. Another name that may be moved before Tuesday is wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Tampa Bay is not actively shopping Jackson but is doing its due diligence on all possible options:

Rapoport also reported that at least four teams have expressed interest in Jackson:

Jackson has not played up to his potential this season, catching only 26 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. While the quarterback change early in the year and sporadic injuries have been an issue, the offensive game plan has not utilized the receiver properly.

If the team is drawing as much interest as is being reported, pulling the trigger on a possible deal would be the best plan of action if the long-term rebuilding process under Lovie Smith is the direction in which the franchise is heading.

Tampa Bay must focus on getting better at key positions, and trading away skill players on offense for draft picks is the right way to speed up the rebuilding process. As for Jackson, the change of scenery would be welcomed.

The team with the proper need and the ability to make a deal happen is Philadelphia. The high-powered Eagles offense under Chip Kelly is better with taller wide receivers with the ability to get physical off the line of scrimmage.

Jackson would be an ideal addition to Kelly’s offense. If Philadelphia is willing to give up what it takes to get Jackson, this could be a game-changer for the Eagles moving forward and a smart move for Tampa Bay’s future.

Predicted Landing Spot: Philadelphia Eagles

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Tennessee Shopping Nate Washington?

The Tennessee Titans continue to struggle this season. Any hope for the postseason is gone, and the franchise would be wise to test the trade waters for all players drawing interest.

According to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com, Tennessee wide receiver Nate Washington may be a player the team is shopping before the deadline:

Unfortunately for his trade stock, Washington sprained the AC joint in his shoulder in Week 8 and the severity of the injury is unknown, according to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com:

It will be harder than ever to trade Washington while he is recovering from a shoulder injury, but this could lower the asking price for possible buyers. If a team is comfortable that the injury is not too serious, Washington could be a steal at the deadline.

After dealing Harvin to New York, one possible landing spot is the Seattle Seahawks. The defending champion could use another viable option in the passing game, and Washington would be a good fit if the asking price isn’t too high.

Seattle must try to replace the production of a player like Harvin, and Washington would be a quick fix that would help keep the Seahawks in Super Bowl contention.

Predicted Landing Spot: Seattle Seahawks

*Stats via NFL.com.

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