NFL Trade Rumors: 10 Blockbuster Trades We'd Love To See Happen
NFL trade rumors are beginning to heat up as the start of the regular season draws ever closer.
The most credible trade rumors Wednesday involve Matt Leinart, who has been woefully ineffective in the preseason and failed to grab hold of the Cardinals' starting quarterback job.
Elsewhere, several NFL stars continue to look for new contracts. Darrelle Revis and Vincent Jackson remain absent from training camp, and Tom Brady still hasn't inked an extension.
Could any if these superstars be traded?
It might seem unlikely, but that doesn't stop us from speculating.
Here's a look at 10 blockbuster trades we would love to see happen.
No. 10: Laurence Maroney to the Broncos
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Laurence Maroney seems to crawl in and out of Bill Belichick's doghouse constantly.
According to reports, his inactivity in the preseason isn't a necessarily a sign he will be traded, but more of an indication of his place on the depth chart.
The Pats evidently no longer consider him to be a featured back, and plan on rotating Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis with Maroney.
Since New England doesn't really need another running back, NFL teams in need of a boost could come calling.
It starts with the Denver Broncos, who have been hit by injuries in the backfield and need to upgrade depth behind fragile Knowshon Moreno.
Former Belichick underling Josh McDaniels has an affinity towards Pats' players and would probably welcome the chance to acquire Maroney.
No. 9: Matt Leinart to the Bills
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Leinart doesn't really have the talent necessary to be mentioned as a blockbuster trading chip, but for the moment he still has the name recognition.
The Bills, Raiders, and Giants have expressed interest in acquiring Leinart, ESPN reported Wednesday.
At best, Arizona is likely to get a couple of late-round picks in return for the ability to unload the player who is shaping up to be one of the worst draft selections in recent history.
No. 8: Ronnie Brown to the Bucs
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The Dolphins have a nice one-two punch in the backfield, but might be willing to part with one of their backs if the price was right.
Tampa Bay would be willing to give up draft picks to acquire Brown, reuniting him with former Auburn teammate Cadillac Williams.
The Bucs need at least one healthy running back to make it through the season, and would probably be willing to overpay for Brown's services.
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No. 7: Ricky Williams to the Bengals
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If Ronnie Brown isn't dealt, the Dolphins could go the other direction and deal the older Ricky Williams for the right price.
What better place for Ricky to run to than Cincinnati, a team filled with characters who are just as likely to explode for huge production as they are to implode the chemistry in the locker room.
Williams would provide a nice insurance policy behind his fellow Longhorn Cedric Benson, who finally put together a consistent season in 2009.
Benson's track record suggests that he won't author a repeat performance in 2010. Adding a player like Williams would greatly improve the Bengals' chances at making a run at the Super Bowl.
No. 6: Matt Hasselbeck to the Jets
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Can Mark Sanchez really lead the Jets to the Super Bowl at this point in his career?
The Jets coaching staff has repeated their respect and belief in Sanchez's abilities, but a steady veteran might be a better option for a team constructed to win and win right now.
The Seahawks are in rebuilding mode and would probably like to turn the over the team to Charlie Whitehurst at some point this year, barring an unexpected string of early wins in Pete Carroll's first season.
That could open the door for Seattle to unload the 34-year-old Hasselbeck, giving him one last chance to return to the Super Bowl.
No. 5: Vincent Jackson to the Seahawks
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Vincent Jackson is going somewhere.
When and where remains a mystery.
His name has been mentioned in connection with the Seahawks, who would love to bolster the receiving corps in hopes making life easier for an offense that struggled last season.
Jackson would get plenty of chances to produce in Seattle.
The Seahawks might be reluctant to shell out big money to another receiver after investing in the likes of Deion Branch, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and since-departed Nate Burleson in recent years.
Despite the big investments in underachieving wideouts, Seattle remains a possible destination for Jackson's services.
No. 4: Steve Smith to the Ravens
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The Ravens upgraded a porous cast of receivers by landing Anquan Boldin, but Joe Flacco could still use another weapon.
The Panthers might not know it yet, but they aren't going anywhere this season. The team has battled injuries on the offensive line and can't be counting on Matt Moore to deliver.
Essentially, the Panthers will be forced to wait for Jimmy Clausen to develop.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith isn't getting any younger. Carolina could move the 31-year-old receiver and get some nice draft picks in return.
No. 3: Mike Vick to the 49ers
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Mike Singletary believes in second chances, but does he believe in Alex Smith to lead his team to the playoffs?
That question won't be answered right away this season, but it would be answered if the Niners were to swing a deal for Vick.
The Eagles asking price will be steep, which makes a deal somewhat unlikely.
If the 49ers begin looking at Vick or other quarterbacks, it will show that the franchise still doesn't believe in Smith's ability to play well consistently as the starter.
No. 2: Darrelle Revis to the Packers
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Despite last week's reports that the Jets and Darrelle Revis were close to a deal, the two sides reportedly still haven't gotten over the matter of $30 million in guaranteed money.
That could drag negotiations on for at least another week, and at some point the Jets might just have to move on with the NFL's best cornerback.
The Packers desperately need a starting corner with Al Harris headed to the PUP list, so the team might be willing to sell the dairy farm to acquire Revis.
If such a move was made, a lucrative contract extension would certainly have to follow. Green Bay might not be willing to pony up the cash it would take to make that happen.
No. 1: Tom Brady to the Chiefs
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Admit it, it's not quite impossible to imagine.
The Patriots aren't in a good position to start over behind Brady at the moment. But if they can't agree to an extension with the face of the franchise, it might be wise to cut ties and move on.
The team could be concerned about extending the aging superstar into the future and look to enter rebuilding mode instead of retooling mode.
Like many NFL teams, the Chiefs would love to land Brady. He would be reunited with his former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and get a chance to end his career with a respectable NFL franchise.
Kansas City would definitely overpay for a marquee quarterback in an effort to restore stability.
It probably won't happen, but that doesn't mean we can't dream about the what-ifs.
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