NFL Trade Deadline: 20 Players Who Wished They'd Been Dealt But Weren't
With the NFL trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at a block of players who wished they’d been dealt but weren’t.
So, from guys like Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, let’s begin…
20. Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins DT
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One of the No. 1 guys talked about leading up to the 2010 NFL trade deadline was Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
And I’m sure if it were up to Haynesworth, he’d already have a new home outside of Washington.
The problem is no one wants to pick up an overpaid and uninspired player either.
Sure; Haynesworth wishes he had been dealt.
Instead, he’ll be calling Washington home for the time being…
19. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys RB
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Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber’s name was mentioned every once in a while leading up to the 2010 NFL trade deadline, but most people already assumed he wouldn’t be going anywhere.
But that doesn’t mean Barber wouldn’t have considered trade options, especially considering the over-hyped Cowboys are currently 1-4 and on the verge of digging an even deeper hole.
I will say this: with the way things are looking for the Cowboys right now, I’m sure MOST of the players on that team wish there were anywhere but Dallas.
Including Barber.
18. Logan Mankins, New England Patriots OL
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Logan Mankins, an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, was a hot name on NFL trade rumors leading up to the 2010 deadline.
But Mankins isn’t going anywhere.
Plenty of teams threw interest New England’s way prior to Tuesday’s deadline coming and going, but Mankins will be remaining with the Pats for the remainder of the season.
At least he isn’t in Dallas…
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17. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys QB
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Low and behold, another Dallas player pops up on this list.
The funny thing is, I’m sure a lot of Cowboys fans and writers would have been happy to see Romo dealt away—as many have been calling for the quarterback’s head since the awful 1-4 start to the season.
Things may get worse after Week 7, if that’s even something to fathom at this time.
Regardless of the horrific start to 2010, the players on the Cowboys are staying put.
That includes Romo, who would likely rather be anywhere BUT the Lone Star State right about now.
16. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers WR
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was once again a big name in NFL trade rumors leading up to the 2010 Tuesday deadline.
But, as has tended to be the case in the past, the Panthers won’t be letting go of Smith.
Carolina is currently winless at 0-5, and I guarantee you Smith is wishing he were calling someplace else home for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately for Smith, the Panthers WR is going to be stuck in Carolina for the rest of the season.
15. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens RB
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Another big name floating around NFL trade rumors leading up to the Tuesday deadline was Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee.
But regardless of speculation that Baltimore may deal away the veteran RB, especially after missing last Sunday’s game, McGahee will be sticking with the Ravens for the remainder of 2010.
However, where he goes after this season has yet to be seen.
14. Shaun Rogers, Cleveland Browns DL
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Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers was tossed around a few wire reports leading up to the Tuesday NFL trade deadline, but it appears it was all rumors.
Rogers, who has missed both the preseason and practices due to ailing injuries, is near the bottom of the cellar in terms of tackles—ranking 17th on the Raiders with just four.
But regardless of the poor performance on the gridiron, Rogers will be remaining in Cleveland for the rest of 2010.
13. Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders DL
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The Oakland Raiders had everyone and their dogs on the trade block in 2010.
That included defensive lineman Richard Seymour—the best DL on the team.
But with the 2010 NFL trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, it appears the Raiders are sticking with the terrible team currently in place.
Does Seymour wish he were calling somewhere else home right about now?
I’m fairly certain the answer is yes, but maybe he loves Oakland enough to both live and suffer there…
12. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers WR
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Vincent Jackson, the hyped San Diego Chargers wide receiver, was linked to many rumors leading up to Tuesday’s 2010 NFL trade deadline.
Despite the rumors, Jackson will be remaining in San Diego.
True, there was only about a one-week stretch that teams could legally chase the Chargers WR—but nothing panned out and he’ll be remaining in California for the foreseeable future.
Regardless of the beautiful weather, I’m sure Jackson wishes he were away from the West coast right about now…
11. Thomas Howard, Oakland Raiders LB
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Another Oakland Raiders teammate joins the list.
Linebacker Thomas Howard was also a name tossed around the trade rumor mill leading up to Tuesday NFL deadline, but he too will be remaining in Oakland for the rest of the season.
Sadly, I think nearly anyone and everyone associated with the Raiders wants to be dealt away with the way things are looking.
Unfortunately for all parties involved, the cast remains the same and the season rolls on…
10. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs WR
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Who wants a Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver?
It appeared as though the Chiefs may have been willing to listen to offers for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe leading up to Tuesday’s 2010 NFL trade deadline—but regardless of whether the team fielded those offers, Bowe remains in Kansas City.
With his contract ending after the 2011 season, it’s tough to say what the future holds for Bowe.
But for the time being, he’ll be playing football with the Chiefs.
9. Chris Johnson, Oakland Raiders CB
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Really? Another Oakland Raiders player??
You do remember that EVERYONE on the Raiders team was on the trade block heading into Tuesday’s NFL deadline, right?
Regardless, every single Oakland players remains with the team.
I have no doubt that there was some interest in a handful of Raiders players, but it’s pretty sad when you put the entire team on the block and not one of them gets dealt.
I’m sure Johnson wishes he were traded; instead he’ll be staying in Oakland for the rest of the season.
8. Brian Waters, Kansas City Chiefs G
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Brian Waters, a guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, was also rumored to be drawing some interest leading up to Tuesday’s 2010 NFL trade deadline.
But regardless of any of those rumors being truth or fluke, Waters remains in Kansas City.
Waters, whose contract also expires after the 2011 season, will likely be with the Chiefs until at least that time.
However, with a hefty price tag and with a team that relies on Waters’ leadership both on and off the gridiron, he won’t be calling any place but Kansas City home for the foreseeable future.
7. Demorrio Williams, Kansas City Chiefs LB
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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, Demorrio Williams currently a backup on the team, popped up on a few radars as Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline loomed.
However, like his teammates rumored to be possibly dealt as well, Williams remains in Kansas City.
And although the Chiefs are very deep in terms of linebackers, it appears as though Williams WILL be a part of Kansas City’s future.
6. Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys RB
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Another Dallas Cowboys player rumored to be traded prior to Tuesday’s NFL deadline was Tashard Choice.
Choice, who has been used very little by Dallas this season, is one of three running backs on the Cowboys.
Heading into the season, it somewhat made sense for the team to have three RB’s with the way it planned to run its offense.
However, after a 1-4 start, some believed Dallas would begin fielding offers for one of its three running backs—with Choice leading the pack.
Regardless of the rumors, Choice and his Dallas teammates will now be forced to make the best of what appears to be a very tough season…
5. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills WR
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People can hope and dream, right?
That’s about all the “rumor” trade talk surrounding Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans heading into Tuesday’s 2010 NFL trade deadline.
Yes, the Bills are terrible and in desperate need of making necessary changes to rebuild.
But they aren’t going to let go of one of the golden pieces to its puzzle in Evans.
Sure, Evans may be wishing he were catching a pigskin in another city, but he’s going to be in Buffalo for the long-haul…
4. Steve Slaton, Houston Texans RB
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Steve Slaton is now No. 2 on a list of Houston Texans running backs that includes Arian Foster, who has had a breakout season thus far in 2010.
But Houston still appears to be lacking complete and total faith in Foster, with the Texans strongly holding onto Slaton as the 2010 NFL trade deadline came and went.
I’m sure the hefty price tag swayed teams away from considering Slaton as well, but one thing is certain: the now backup RB appears to be sticking around with the Texans as a legitimate option in the backfield.
Only time will tell if this marriage lasts…
3. Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles QB
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Kevin Kolb, the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback turned backup turned starter again, was another big name floating about the rumor mill heading into Tuesday’s 2010 NFL trade deadline.
Regardless, Kolb will be remaining in Philadelphia this season and will likely be guiding the team as the starting QB in Week 7.
But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have been traded, nor does it mean he didn’t WANT to be traded.
I’m not claiming to have inside source info on Kolb, but Michael Vick appears to be firing on all cylinders and will likely be the quarterback of the future for the Eagles.
For now, Kolb may mainly be insurance for the team.
And with Vick currently hurt, I’m sure the Eagles are happy to still have Kolb.
2. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants RB
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One of the key events to set off a flurry of rumors surrounding New York’s Brandon Jacobs occurred when the Giants running back lost his temper last month.
Apparently, Jacobs was so angry after being yelled at by coach Tom Coughlin that he tossed his helmet into the stands in frustration.
After that incident, Jacobs spent the remainder of the game on the sideline or in the locker room and was highly rumored to be on the trade block.
However, with Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, it’s clear to see that Jacobs is staying put with the Giants.
1. A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers LB
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Green Bay’s awful season rolls on in Week 7 when the Packers host Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.
And heading into the 2010 NFL trade deadline, many believed Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk would be on the block.
However, with Tuesday’s deadline here and gone, Hawk remains in Green Bay.
And he may be there for the long run…
Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com
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