NFL Trade Deadline: 15 Teams That Should've Made a Move and Didn't
The NFL trade deadline came and went Tuesday without much fanfare.
A couple of minor moves in recent days will be overshadowed by the moves that were talked about but never made.
It starts and ends with the San Diego Chargers.
Elsewhere, the Patriots made a blockbuster deal to ship Randy Moss westward, but could they have done more?
Philadelphia has been forced to scramble after being decimated by injuries, and landed Jerome Harrison from the Browns last week.
But should the Eagles have tried to move Kevin Kolb to get something in return?
Here's a look at 15 NFL teams that should have made moves prior to today's deadline.
No. 15: New England Patriots
1 of 15
Should Have Traded: Logan Mankins
The Patriots have been applauded for moving Randy Moss and adding to an already impressive collection of draft picks in the years ahead.
Despite moving Moss and later acquiring Deion Branch, you get the feeling New England could have done more.
The Pats didn't deal Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins, who continues his holdout.
Various reports claimed the Patriots were seeking both a first-round draft pick in exchange for Mankins.
If true, that could explain why a deal didn't get done.
No. 14: St. Louis Rams
2 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Vincent Jackson or a veteran receiver
Sam Bradford's accomplishments in St. Louis haven't gone unnoticed, but deserve even more acclaim considering his patchwork collection of wide receivers.
St. Louis was already in the running for Jackson before Mark Clayton emerged as a competent No. 1 option, only to pull out of negotiations when the asking price became too steep.
With Clayton done for the season, St. Louis needs a veteran receiver now more than ever.
No. 13: New Orleans Saints
3 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Running back and secondary depth
Pierre Thomas has had durability issues at times, and with Reggie Bush sidelined the Saints have been forced to rely on veteran Ladell Betts and youngster Chris Ivory.
Thomas is expected to return soon, but the Saints would have been wise to consider adding a bruising back like Brandon Jacobs to carry the load near the goal line.
Meanwhile, the Saints are without starters Darren Sharper and Tracy Porter in the secondary.
While they continue to recover, a minor move would have given Gregg Williams' unit some much-needed depth.
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No. 12: Denver Broncos
4 of 15
Should Have Acquired: More running back help
Josh McDaniels freed Laurence Maroney from his former mentor's doghouse, but the Broncos might have been wise to look elsewhere in an effort to boost the running game.
Although Denver's offensive line is certainly part of the problem, McDaniels is close to having a fairly dangerous offensive attack on his hands—if he can find a running game.
At the very least, the Broncos could have tried to pry Brian Westbrook from the 49ers to serve as another receiving threat for Kyle Orton.
No. 11: Indianapolis Colts
5 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Running back and safety help
Joesph Addai has taken a pounding during his NFL career and is banged up again.
Meanwhile, second-year pro Donald Brown has been hurt but is starting to look like a bust, and Mike Hart isn't really talented enough to get the job done over the long haul.
The Colts could have added a veteran back along the lines of Westbrook and Chester Taylor, who is basically rotting on the Bears' bench.
With injuries to Melvin Bullitt and Bob Sanders at safety, the Colts resorted to re-signing Aaron Francisco to provide safety help.
Time will tell if that will be enough to prevent Indy's defense from struggling down the stretch.
No. 10: San Francisco 49ers
6 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Wide receiver help
Even after finally getting a win Sunday, the 49ers remain one of the NFL's most dysfunctional teams.
Alex Smith gets the brunt of the blame, but he doesn't have any reliable weapons at wide receiver.
Michael Crabtree is still developing and has struggled to get separation, Josh Morgan is far from being a legitimate No. 2 receiver and Ted Ginn has some of the worst hands in football.
A minor move to add a veteran into the mix would have paid dividends for the 49ers.
No. 9: Oakland Raiders
7 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Offensive line help
Usually one of the NFL's boldest teams when it comes to trades, all was quiet in Oakland as the trade deadline came and went.
Tom Cable's offensive line hasn't necessarily been the biggest problem this season, but the Raiders could use a big upgrade along the trenches.
Oakland should have made a minor move or given up a first-round pick to land Logan Mankins from the Patriots.
No. 8: New York Giants
8 of 15
Should Have Traded: Brandon Jacobs
Ahmad Bradshaw's chaotic running style exposes him to big hits, but he has certainly been up to the task so far this season.
Meanwhile, Brandon Jacobs finally saw significant action in Week 6, scoring a pair of touchdowns as New York ran wild against Detroit.
Jacobs still has value around the league and likely could have been dealt for a decent draft pick.
No. 7: Philadelphia Eagles
9 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Offensive line help
The Eagles look like geniuses for keeping Kevin Kolb on the roster, but the revolving door at quarterback will probably continue unless the offensive line improves.
Philadelphia could have gambled and pursued Logan Mankins in hopes he would at least provide help for the final six games of the season.
With the NFC East up for grabs, pulling off a deal for Mankins would have been absolutely huge for the Eagles.
No. 6: Carolina Panthers
10 of 15
Should Have Traded: Steve Smith and/or DeAngelo Williams
It's time for the Panthers to come to terms with reality: They aren't going anywhere this season.
The organization was vocal in saying Smith wouldn't be traded, and hopes to extend DeAngelo Williams at some point.
At the moment, neither player is good enough to help Carolina show much improvement in the standings.
With John Fox on his way out, the Panthers should have taken notes from the Patriots and started hoarding draft picks while cleaning house.
No. 5: Dallas Cowboys
11 of 15
Should Have Traded: Marion Barber
Why even have a running back on the roster?
Dallas has been very reluctant to run the ball this season under Jason Garrett.
On those rare occasions when the Cowboys do decide to turn to the ground game, Felix Jones appears to be the best option.
Barber still has value in the NFL, just not on the Cowboys. There likely would have been plenty of takers for his services.
No. 4: Chicago Bears
12 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Logan Mankins
The Bears' offensive line is the worst in the NFL this season and in recent memory.
Aside from using a first-round pick on the underachieving, injury-prone Chris Williams, the Bears have neglected the offensive line under general manager Jerry Angelo.
At some point, the Bears will have to focus on improving the line. The team reportedly had interest in acquiring Mankins, but wasn't willing to even consider extending his contract beyond this season.
With that, a potential deal was dead.
The writing is on the wall for poor Jay Cutler.
No. 3: Green Bay Packers
13 of 15
Should Have Acquired: Marion Barber
The Packers didn't show any interest in Marshawn Lynch before he was dealt to the Bills, then passed on the chance to act to land Marion Barber from Dallas.
Playing without Ryan Grant has caused the Packers to throw the ball more than ever.
Barber lacks explosion, but he is experienced and can catch the ball.
It's surprising he didn't get more attention from NFL teams like the Packers in recent weeks.
No. 2: San Diego Chargers
14 of 15
Should Have Traded: Vincent Jackson
This is just so obvious.
There's nothing wrong with driving a hard bargain, but Chargers' GM A.J. Smith took being stubborn to a whole new level.
He has succeeded in keeping his disgruntled star off the field while costing the Chargers a chance to get draft picks in the process.
San Diego has reached the point of no return with Smith running the show.
No. 1 Washington Redskins
15 of 15
Should Have Traded: Albert Haynesworth
Should Have Acquired: Vincent Jackson, Lee Evans or other wide receiver help
The Redskins are a solid team, but with the defense hanging on for dear life, Donovan McNabb could certainly have used another weapon on the outside.
Joey Galloway is just about done and unheralded speedster Anthony Armstrong isn't a great option yet, so adding Jackson or Evans would have provided a huge boost.
Meanwhile, Albert Haynesworth is still on the roster and still having absolutely no impact.
It will be interesting to see if the Redskins continue be a factor in the NFC East as the season continues.
Where's James Thrash when you need him?
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