NFL Trade Scenarios: A Player on Every Team Who Needs a Change of Scenery
Sometimes change can be a good thing.
Whether it be a new coach, family issues, or declining health/production, sometimes NFL players no longer fit in with the organization they once called home.
That's just part of the business, and players understand that.
Sometimes a change of scenery can even revive careers: Kurt Warner going from New York to Arizona and Cedric Benson from Chicago to Cincinnati are two recent examples.
Whatever the reason, here is one player from every NFL team that would benefit by playing for a new team next season.
1. Green Bay Packers: MLB Nick Barnett
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Fresh off their Super Bowl victory, you would think the Packers would be best suited keeping their roster intact.
However, entering his 10th NFL season and coming off wrist surgery, the Packers may look to trade Barnett and continue starting Desmond Bishop, who played very well in Barnett's absence.
The relationship between Barnett and the Packers has turned sour. Back in February, Barnett expressed his displeasure about being left out of the team's Super Bowl pictures.
The Packers seem to have grown tired of his whining: In March, reports surfaced that the Packers had put Barnett on the trading block.
Likely destinations for Barnett could be Detroit, Houston or Oakland, who all need help at the linebacker position.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers: DE Aaron Smith
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Smith is 34 years old, and has played only 11 games the last two seasons.
First-round pick Ziggy Hood may finally be able to enter the starting lineup, making Smith expendable.
He had a great run with the Steelers, winning two titles. But age catches up with all players, and Pittsburgh is overpaying him.
Many teams would be happy to add Smith's talents, but with the future of the league uncertain, retirement is also an option.
3. New York Jets: WR Braylon Edwards
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Edwards has made some big plays during his time with the Jets, but his inconsistent hands, off-field problems and the acquisition of Santonio Holmes make him expendable.
He is still awaiting the conclusion of a drunken driving case, which he denies any wrongdoing in. He could face suspension by the league if found guilty.
Edwards was also involved in a bar fight during his days in Cleveland.
The Jets already have a lot of big personalities on their team, and have recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
The Jets should make a statement that this type of behavior is unacceptable by not re-signing Edwards.
Despite his affirmation that he "loves being a Jet," a change of scenery would be best for Edwards.
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4. Chicago Bears: RB Chester Taylor
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Taylor was a great third-down/change-of-pace back playing behind Adrian Peterson in Minnesota.
The Bears brought him in after Matt Forte had a sophomore slump to try and keep the RB fresh.
However, Forte responded with a great season, and Taylor got few carries. He struggled to fit in with Chicago's offense, averaging a career-low 2.4 yards per carry.
Forte is a great receiver out of the backfield, also one of Taylor's strengths. The two are very similar RBs, and there is really no need for the Bears to keep both on their roster.
With his reputation, Taylor could be a more-used backup on a number on NFL teams.
5. New England Patriots: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
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Green-Ellis had a great season last year, but much like the rest of the Patriots skill players, he is not a game changer.
Because of his inconsistency (he had six games under 40 yards last season) many analysts have speculated that the Patriots will look for a franchise RB, either with some cap room in free agency or through the draft.
While the starter, Green-Ellis only had three games with over 20 carries. He would benefit by going to a team that would give him more playing time.
Miami, New Orleans and Washington are all teams that need RB help that could look to add Green-Ellis.
6. Baltimore Ravens: WR TJ Houshmandzadeh
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Housh played sparingly in his only season in Baltimore, and the former Pro Bowler has to be upset at being a bench player.
Although 33 years old, TJ still has a little left in the tank. He can still be a solid contributer on a good team: His game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh in Week 4 shows that.
He also had a 56-yard touchdown in week 11 against Carolina.
While not the player he once was, Housh still is a fierce competitor and is still one of the best route runners in the league.
He could find a home in Chicago, Atlanta or New England.
7. Seattle Seahawks: QB Charlie Whitehurst
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Whitehurst is still an enigma in the NFL: The sixth-year pro has only two career starts, both last season.
But Whitehurst has a lot of untapped potential, which is why the Seahawks decided to trade a third-round pick for the unproven QB last offseason.
The decision turned out to be a season-changer: Starter Matt Hasslebeck missed the regular season finale, which opened the door for Whitehurst.
In a play-in game, the Seahawks defeated the Rams to win the NFC West. Whitehurst was the catalyst, with a passing touchdown, no picks and 30 yards rushing.
Coach Pete Carroll has said the team's number one priority this offseason is to re-sign Hasslebeck, which likely leaves Whitehurst as the backup once again.
There are a number of teams who need help at the QB position, and Whitehurst would benefit from the opportunity of being a full-time starter.
8. Atlanta Falcons: CB Brent Grimes
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It's time for Grimes to get a pay raise.
The Pro Bowler has 11 picks the last two seasons, and led the league in pass breakups this season.
With big deals already given to QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, CB Dunta Robinson and TE Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons may not have enough money left to pay Grimes, who is certainly worthy of a new contract.
A change of scenery would give Grimes the cash he deserves.
9. Indianapolis Colts: OT Charlie Johnson
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It's a well-known fact the Colts need offensive line help.
Whether through free agency or the draft, many expect the Colts to upgrade the LT position, where Johnson is the incumbent.
Johnson has played guard before, so the Colts could have him switch positions, but it would be best for both sides to move on.
Johnson, while a solid player, is not the franchise LT the Colts need to protect Peyton's blindside.
A free agent, Johnson would be best suited looking for work elsewhere, ideally on a team with a different blocking scheme.
10. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Thomas Jones
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Jones struggled to fit in with the Chiefs offense, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. He also did not add much in the receiving game, with only six catches.
Jamaal Charles deserves to be the full-time starter and not split carries with Jones.
Jones has been a serviceable player in the NFL, and would certainly draw interest from a number of teams as a quality backup.
The Colts, Ravens and Niners are all possibilities.
11. New Orleans Saints: WR Devery Henderson
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The Saints already have a variety of other options at the WR position, and it appears Henderson is the odd man out.
His 464 receiving yards this season were almost half of what he had the year before. The return of Lance Moore from injury certainly cut into his playing time.
Furthermore, the Saints already have a deep threat in Robert Meachem.
Henderson is a fast, skilled receiver who is playing on a team with a lot of skill at that position.
He would benefit by getting a fresh start on a new team.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: QB Kevin Kolb
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Trade rumors have swirled around Kolb since Mike Vick stole away his starting job in the season opener against Green Bay.
Kolb has had limited playing time, but has shown promise. He has three 300-yard passing games in just eight career starts.
Kolb's confidence has to be shot after playing the role of backup to two different QBs. He has stated he would like to be a starting QB again in the league, and that opportunity will not arise in Philly.
With reports surfacing that teams have offered as high as a first-round pick for Kolb, his days in Philly are numbered.
Miami, Arizona and Tennessee are teams that need help at the QB position and could look to add Kolb's talents.
13. Tampa Bay Bucs: S Tanard Jackson
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Jackson is a talented player; he had five interceptions in only 12 games for the Bucs two seasons ago.
However, the reason he only played in only 12 games was due to violating the league's substance abuse policy.
In 2010, Jackson was suspended once again for again violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Tampa Bay is a young team on the rise, and the last thing they need is a bad influence.
Jackson was given a second chance by the Bucs and he blew it. The team would be wise to make an example of Jackson to show other players his actions will not be condoned by the organization.
Things would work out best for both sides if Jackson played elsewhere next season.
14. New York Giants: RT Kareem McKenzie
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Backup tackle Will Beatty was a second-round draft choice for the Giants, and has made six starts in his two seasons for the Giants filling in for injured teammates.
Now might be the time to get younger on the offensive line and plug Beatty into the starting RT spot.
The Giants had one of the best offensive lines in the league last year: They allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (16) and finished sixth in the league in rushing.
It seems a little weird then to replace one of the linchpins of their stellar O-line, but the truth is the Giants have a more than capable replacement in Beatty, and McKenzie is getting older entering his 12th NFL season.
15. San Diego Chargers: RB Mike Tolbert
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The Chargers' first-round pick Ryan Mathews had an injury-plagued rookie campaign, and no one took advantage more than Tolbert.
He started four games, rushing for 735 yards with an impressive 11 touchdowns.
However, the Chargers already have Darren Sproles in the backfield with Mathews, so Tolbert might be the odd man out.
There would be a number of teams willing to trade for the big, physical back out of Coastal Carolina.
The Redskins, Lions and Dolphins are all possibilities.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Rashad Jennings
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Maurice Jones-Drew was banged up last season, so it's understandable why the Jaguars want a quality backup RB.
But Jennings is more than a quality backup. He has all the makings of a starting RB.
He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and had two 100-yard rushing performances, despite only having two games with more than 10 carries.
The talented RB from Liberty deserves a chance to be a full-time RB, and the only way for that to happen is to leave Jacksonville.
17. Miami Dolphins: QB Chad Henne
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Since Dan Marino retired, the Dolphins have had 15 different QBs start a game for them.
Still with just one playoff win since the Marino era, that number should reach 16.
Henne is not a bad QB, but is not a franchise QB. He has been given enough time to develop and is not the answer for the Dolphins at QB.
He has problems with fumbles and holding on to the ball too long. His career touchdown-to-interception mark is 27-to-33.
He would have value on the trade market as an experienced backup. Meanwhile, Miami must once again look for their next great franchise QB.
18. Oakland Raiders: CB Nnamdi Asomugha
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After signing a highly lucrative deal for a CB, Asomugha had another great year for the Raiders.
Asomugha is such a talented shutdown corner that opposing teams rarely even throw the ball in his direction.
To that end, he did not have a single pick in 2010. A clause in his contract allowed the Raiders to void his deal because of this, and now he is a free agent.
The bidding war for Asomugha will be pricey, but Asomugha would do well to move to a different team.
He could make the playoffs for the first time in his career, and play on a more talented defense.
19. St. Louis Rams: Oshiomogho Atogwe
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Atogwe has played some great safety the last couple of seasons, but no one has really noticed.
He had eight interceptions in the 2007 season, and had six forced fumbles the following year.
Atogwe is great at forcing turnovers, and is also a great tackler coming up and helping in the run game.
His request for a change of scenery was granted: The Redskins signed the gifted safety in early March after the Rams cut him.
20. Detroit Lions: TE Tony Scheffler
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Scheffler is a quality TE, but Brandon Pettigrew is the future for the Lions at the position.
To give Pettigrew more playing time, the Lions would do well by getting rid of Scheffler.
Scheffler has good hands, and is a big, physical player who is a good blocker as well.
Teams that use the I-formation and other offensive sets with two TEs would benefit from adding Scheffler, who had over 40 receptions as a backup.
21. Minnesota Vikings: WR Bernard Berrian
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When healthy, Sydney Rice is a great possession receiver. Recent first-round pick Percy Harvin provides the speed and athleticism and Visanthe Shiancoe is a great receiving TE.
Meanwhile, Berrian's production has dropped in recent years. He had almost 1,000 yards receiving in his first season with the Vikings, but that number fell to 600 two seasons ago and 200 this past year.
Berrian signed a big contract coming from Chicago to Minnesota to be the team's number one receiver. Now, he is in a battle with Greg Camarillo for the role of slot receiver.
Only 30, Berrian still has some game left. However, he appears to have played his way out of the Vikings offense.
The Seahawks, Rams and Falcons all need receiving help and could look at Berrian. Don't rule out a return to the Windy City as well.
22. Houston Texans: RB Steve Slaton
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Two seasons ago, Slaton had a similar year to what Arian Foster did this season.
He had almost 1,300 yards rushing and 50 receptions. However, 10 fumbles in his two years starting led to his benching. Now Foster has a death-grip on the starting RB position.
The team also drafted Ben Tate in the second round, so Slaton is not even the backup now.
He certainly has talent: He was an All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist playing for West Virginia in college.
If a team is willing to give Slaton a second chance, the potential rewards could be drastic.
Playing for a team that accepts cast-offs from other organizations (Patriots or Steelers for example), Slaton could once again become a starter in the NFL.
23. Washington Redskins: DT Albert Haynesworth
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The Albert Haynesworth experiment in D.C. was a failure in almost every regard.
Haynesworth did not attend training camp, argued with coaches, and was not productive in the little time he was on the field.
His massive contract makes trading him impossible. His relationship with Mike Shanahan is beyond repair, so Haynesworth will likely be released.
The question that remains is whether any team will sign him. Remember, Haynesworth famously stepped on the head on Dallas center Andre Gurode in 2006, so questions of his character go beyond just this season.
But at 6'6", 330 pounds, he is one of the best run-stopping DTs in the league.
Maybe a return to a 4-3 defense will have him playing at his old level.
24. Dallas Cowboys: WR Roy Williams
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Dallas traded two first-round picks for Williams, hoping he could be the team's number one receiving option.
Now, he is the third-best receiver on the team (fourth if you count Witten). Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are both more athletic, faster, and have better hands.
Williams just never fit in with the Cowboys offense. He never had over 40 receptions in a season, and never eclipsed 600 yards receiving.
Williams had success playing for a less talented team in Detroit, so it's a little puzzling why he did so awful in Dallas. Maybe the pressure of playing under the bright lights got to him.
Regardless, the former first-round pick out of Texas would do well to play for someone other than his hometown team.
25. Tennessee Titans: QB Vince Young
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Although coach Jeff Fisher, whose coaching style and personality often clashed with Young, no longer remains, owner Bud Adams has held true to his statements of wishing to trade Young, even though the QB said he wants to remain in Tennessee.
Young has a career record of 30-17, and is coming off his highest QB rating of his career.
Hid off-field drama and clashes with teammates and coaches have left some questioning his desire for the game.
But he is one of the few dual-threat QBs in the league, and the high draft pick has consistently improved over his six NFL seasons.
In a QB-driven league, some team will take a chance on Young.
26. San Francisco 49ers: DE Manny Lawson
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Lawson was the never the pass rusher the Niners expected after selecting him in the first round: His career high for sacks in a season is 6.5.
Now, maybe it's best for him to move on.
The "hybrid" pass rusher may be struggling playing at the OLB position. Maybe a switch to a 4-3 defense and playing the DE position can revive Lawson's career.
The Jaguars, Texans and Bucs are three teams that need to generate more of a pass rush that might take a chance on Lawson.
27. Cleveland Browns: KR Josh Cribbs
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I put Cribbs here not because he's worn out his welcome or because he does not fit in with Cleveland. I put him here because I honestly feel bad for the guy.
He is perhaps the best kickoff return specialist in all the league, but is stuck on a Browns team that is still a ways away from a playoff appearance.
He is one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.
Cribbs has the following on his resume: Two 100+ yard kickoff returns in the same game, an NFL record eight kickoff return touchdowns, and two Pro Bowl selections.
All this from an undrafted free agent.
Cribbs has never complained about the losing in Cleveland, but it would be neat to see him on a winning team.
28. Arizona Cardinals: WR Larry Fitzgerald
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Arizona almost certainly will have a new starting QB next season, whether it be through a trade or the draft.
Hopefully they can find a suitable replacement for Kurt Warner, because Larry has to miss playing with him.
Fitzgerald had his lowest receptions and touchdowns in a season since 2006, and even those stats are deceiving because a lot of Fitzgerald's numbers came at the end of games when the Cardinals were already out of the game.
It's almost a sin to let this talented a receiver play with QBs who can't get him the ball. Seriously, how hard is it to just throw it up to him?
If the Cardinals don't shore up the QB position, Fitzgerald's woes will continue.
29. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Carson Palmer
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Palmer has already told Bengals management that he would retire this season if not traded, and the fact he put his Ohio home on the market is not a good sign that he will remain in Cincinnati.
Palmer has had some rough years recently, but there are many teams willing to take a risk on the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Bengals need to realize they are a rebuilding team. Rather than risk a holdout, they should look to trade Palmer and acquire some draft picks in the process.
Playing on a new, competitive team should reignite Palmer's fire for the game, possibly returning the veteran to his Pro Bowl form.
30. Buffalo Bills: OLB Aaron Maybin
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Only 22, Maybin still has a chance to make it in this league, but as of now he is one of the biggest busts in recent draft memory.
The first-round pick has yet to record a sack in the NFL, and has started only one game in two seasons with Buffalo.
Much like Lawson, maybe the Bills have this "hybrid" playing at the wrong position; a switch to OLB may help.
But Maybin must turn around things fast or his NFL career will be over. A change of scenery might be the best option to get his career on track.
31. Denver Broncos: QB Kyle Orton
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New coach John Fox has a tough decision in Denver: Stick with incumbent QB Kyle Orton or switch to the talented, but still unpolished, QB Tim Tebow.
Orton has been under-appreciated since coming into the league, but he flourished under old coach Josh McDaniels' passing scheme, throwing 20 touchdowns to only nine picks.
Many teams need QB help, and Orton would certainly draw interest on the open market.
With all the QB drama in Denver, as well as a new offensive scheme, Orton would be best suited playing for a different team, his third in four seasons.
32. Carolina Panthers: RB DeAngelo Williams
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Jonathan Stewart has all the tools to be a starting RB in this league.
Although Carolina is one of many teams that uses the two-back system, it would be foolish to pay big money to Williams when they already have a more than capable starting RB.
Williams has had injury problems the last two seasons, but his speed and cutting ability make him one of the more dangerous backs in the NFL.
The Colts, Patriots and Dolphins are all options for Williams.
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