NFL Rumors: Top Trade Buzz Surrounding Eric Weddle, Joe Thomas and More

In-season trades aren't overly common in the NFL, but with Tuesday's deadline quickly approaching, it seems as though there are far more big names on the block than usual.

Tight end Vernon Davis is already on the move, as he was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Denver Broncos Monday night, according to ESPN.com. He could potentially have some company, as a number of intriguing players are reportedly in play for teams in need of a boost.

With mere hours remaining until the NFL's annual trade freeze, here is a look at some of the top stars who could possibly find themselves playing elsewhere the next time they suit up.

Eric Weddle

San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle has been among the NFL's best players at his position since breaking into the league in 2007, but there is reason to believe that the Bolts may be ready to move on from the three-time Pro Bowler.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, a league source indicated San Diego is shopping and willing to trade away the 30-year-old veteran.

The chatter doesn't come as a huge surprise—for multiple reasons. In addition to the fact that the Chargers are 2-6 this season, Weddle is set to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason, and there has been no progress made with regard to an extension.

Per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams, Weddle showed a great deal of disappointment with the way the Chargers organization handled his contract situation back in June:

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Despite our attempts to discuss an extension on multiple occasions, unfortunately the desire has not been mutual. Contrary to what has recently been said by upper management, there has never been any financial numbers discussed, and the Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider. ... It's obvious that I'm not part of this organization's long-term plan. The NFL is a business, and I can accept that. I just wish the organization had been up-front with me from Day 1.

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Weddle is coming off a First-Team All-Pro season in 2014, and entering the 2015 campaign, he had played in all 16 regular-season games five years in a row.

One can only assume there is plenty of interest in Weddle as a rental among teams vying for a playoff spot, and according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole, that includes the New York Giants, as well as three other teams.

Despite the rampant rumors and the amount of sense it would make for San Diego to deal Weddle, the organization insists it isn't looking to make a move on that front, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:

The Chargers could simply be trying to downplay their desire to trade Weddle in order to maximize trade value, because there hasn't been any indication that the two sides are in the same ballpark regarding an extension.

It can be argued that the Bolts are still alive for a playoff berth in the wide-open AFC, but with a 2-6 record and all signs pointing toward losing Weddle for nothing during the offseason, they would be wise to sell him off to the highest bidder Tuesday.

Joe Thomas

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas is arguably the best lineman in the NFL, but with the Browns floundering and potentially needing to blow the roster up, he has been the subject of trade talks.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Cleveland has engaged in discussions with regard to potentially moving the eight-time Pro Bowler.

The 30-year-old Thomas has made the Pro Bowl in each of his NFL seasons since entering the league as the No. 3 overall pick in 2007. He is also a five-time All-Pro, which means he is well on his way to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame down the road.

Thomas is signed through the 2018 season with an annual cap hit of around $10 million, per Spotrac.com. That means Cleveland doesn't necessarily need to trade him right now, but dealing him would certainly give the franchise some financial flexibility.

As pointed out by Rapoport, Thomas could bring back a better return than almost anyone on the roster, which is key for a 2-6 team that looks to be nowhere near contending for a playoff spot.

Even though Thomas potentially has an opportunity to play for a winning team for the first time since his rookie season, he doesn't have a desire to be traded, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com:

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I'm not a quitter. I'm not a guy that gives up on my goals and my goal from day one was to be part of the turnaround here and that hasn't changed. ... The reality of it is we're right now a 2-6 team and the trade deadline is coming up. If you're a team that doesn't have a winning record I imagine it happens all the time where teams will call up your team and find out if you're available for a trade. It's happened in the past with me in my career. But it's out of my control. I want to be here. I want to finish my career here. I want to be part of the turnaround here. That's the way it is sometimes, you've got to control the things you can control.

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Although trading Thomas would almost certainly bring back some solid assets and free up cap space to bring in other impact players during the offseason, Sports Illustrated's Peter King doesn't believe it is something the Browns should explore:

Thomas is an elite player, but the Browns' biggest issue is the fact that he has been a blindside protector for subpar quarterbacks throughout his tenure with the team.

Based on how the remainder of the season goes, Cleveland may have an opportunity to select one of the top quarterbacks in the 2016 draft class.

With that in mind, holding on to Thomas for at least one more season and waiting to see how things develop on the quarterback front is probably the best course of action.

Jared Cook

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

With Davis having already been traded, St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook may be the top player available at the position as the deadline draws closer.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Rams have fielded calls regarding Cook's availability and may be willing to deal the 28-year-old if an enticing offer comes along.

Cook is currently the second-leading receiver on the team with 19 catches for 245 yards, but that production is far too modest considering his contract status. Per Spotrac.com, the former South Carolina standout carries a cap hit of over $8 million per season through the 2017 campaign.

That is quite lofty, especially when considering the fact that the Rams have another promising tight end on the roster in Lance Kendricks, who reeled in five touchdowns last season.

Cook is among the NFL's most athletic tight ends, and he has all the potential in the world, but he simply hasn't lived up to it, nor has he proven he deserves to be compensated like a top player at his position.

The Rams are playoff contenders at 4-3, so trading a starting tight end may be a tough sell to the fanbase, but considering there is a viable replacement on the roster, St. Louis should certainly consider making a deal in order to open up some cap space for 2016 and beyond.

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