NFL Trade Rumors: Five Backups Ready To Be Starters

Only five short weeks into the season, many teams have shown that they have pressing needs at many positions. At the same time, teams have been reluctant to give playing time to adequate backups--backups that have the potential to improve the team.

Here's a list of the most egregious denials. Teams should take the opportunity to upgrade themselves with these players.

Charlie Whitehurst, Seahawks

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks passes during the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Qwest Field on August 21, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

After paying heavily for the unproven quarterback, the Seattle Seahawks have left Matt Hasselbeck  in at quarterback. After struggling for a few games, it’s time to hand the reins over to the heir-apparent, Charlie Whitehurst.

Although he didn’t look great in the preseason, Whitehurst has more mobility and much more upside than the aging Hasselbeck. In a rebuilding season, the Seahawks should let Whitehurst get some experience even if they could possibly make the playoffs in the weak NFC West.

Jamarca Sanford, Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 22: Jamarca Sanford of the Minnesota Vikings stands of the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 22, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Starting safety Madieu Williams was supposed to be a replacement for aging Darren Sharper. Instead he’s played mediocre safety at a high cost to the Minnesota Vikings. In limted time, Jamarca Sanford has looked at least acceptable playing safety and would provide the Vikings with a cheap cost alternative to Williams.

Last season, Sanford occasionally started over the anemic Tyrell Johnson, and was quite a lot better. Although he isn’t the hitter that Williams is, he should upgrade the pass defense.

Matt Moore, Panthers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Matt Moore #3 of the Carolina Panthers during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Alright so he already had a shot this year and didn’t look good. But Matt Moore should be given a second chance to be starting quarterback. Throwing Jimmy Clausen to the lions so soon was a mistake.

Moore was above average last year, and taking him out of the starting job so quickly was a mistake. Clausen has looked poor as starting quarterback, and should Moore return to form, he could be used as trade bait if the Panthers see Clausen as the long-term solution.

Javon Ringer, Titans

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Running back Javon Ringer #21 of the Tennessee Titans rushes during warmups prior to the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 14, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

This isn’t 2009 anymore; Chris Johnson is no longer the league’s best back. With Javon Ringer averaging more than seven yard a carry, he should be given the starting job over Johnson.

Whatever the problem is this season with Johnson, he shouldn’t be given playing time to figure it out, especially with a backup like Ringer.

Bernard Scott, Bengals

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CINCINNATI - AUGUST 20: Bernard Scott #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the NFL preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Paul Brown Stadium on August 20, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Bernard Scott has looked very good working as the Bengals backup running back. He has averaged almost five yards a carry on limited touches. Starter Cedric Benson has been looking slow this season, averaging only 3.3 yards a carry.

With the twin-headed monster (at least for Bengals PR personnel) of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, Scott should have plenty of holes to hit.