NFL Trade Speculation: Which Player on Each Team Is Safe from the Trading Block?
The NFL offseason means one thing: trades galore.
Every season comes with its own blockbuster trades. These trades affect the season along with the team's chemistry and the fanbase's loyalty. While one trade can bring that missing piece to your favorite team, it's always possible last year's hero could spend the next season thrilling another city.
While many superstars are on the trading blocks, each team has at least one player that is not going anywhere.
Arizona Cardinals: Joey Porter, LB
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Though aging, the Arizona Cardinals have shown great faith in Joey Porter, signing him to a three-year, incentive-laden contract before the start of the 2010 season.
Porter provides veteran leadership while continuing to put up solid numbers.
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB
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The Atlanta Falcons have found their franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan. After leading the team to a 13-3 record last season, Ryan has proven his leadership ability as well as his skills on the field, throwing for 28 touchdowns.
Letting go of a quarterback of this caliber would be a foolish move and not one the Falcons front office is willing to make.
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis, LB
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Ray Lewis is set to end his career right where he started. Drafted by the Ravens in 1996, the 12-time Pro Bowler has cemented his status as one of the best linebackers of all time.
Although he is 35, 2010 showed Lewis record 139 tackles, his best numbers since 2004. While his leadership and production would be welcomed on most teams, no one will be prying him away from the Ravens if they have anything to say about it.
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Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
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Buffalo fans have not had much to root for in recent years. That all changed with Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Last season saw Fitzpatrick replace a quarterback that most Buffalo fans were more than disappointed with. After five seasons in the league, 2010 was Fitzpatrick’s first real chance, starting the final 13 games of the season. Over that span, he recorded a solid 81.8 quarterback rating while getting exactly 3,000 yards through the air.
While he may not be a franchise quarterback, he is one of a few bright spots the Bills have to look forward to.
Carolina Panthers: David Gettis, WR
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Drafted in 2010, David Gettis was supposed to play second fiddle to star wide receiver Steve Smith. Instead, Gettis, at times, outshined Smith, recording more touchdown receptions than Smith. Gettis also did a fair job returning kicks for the Panthers.
At only 23, Gettis will definitely get a chance to prove himself in 2011, and he will do that with a Panthers jersey on.
Chicago Bears: Julius Peppers, DE
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The Chicago Bears reached the NFC championship game last season. A major part of their success was due to a smothering defense, anchored by Julius Peppers.
After signing a six-year contract before the 2010 season, Peppers is set to remain in a Bears uniform for the long-term. After finishing fourth in voting for the NFC Defensive Player of the Year, Chicago is more than fine with that.
Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Dunlap, DE
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The Cincinnati Bengals are infamous for their draft picks. While many of their picks do not pan out, Dunlap is looking to be the exception.
Drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft, Dunlap led the Bengals with 9.5 sacks in just 12 games, a Cincinnati rookie record. Dunlap could easily become a young player Cincinnati builds its defense around.
Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis, RB
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Peyton Hillis, along with two draft picks, arrived in Cleveland from Denver in exchange for quarterback Brady Quinn. After last season, it’s obvious who got the better of that deal.
Hillis finished the 2010 season with 1,177 yards after totaling fewer than 400 in his first two seasons. With his appearance on the cover of the 2012 Madden NFL game, Hillis has cemented his status as the new face of the franchise.
Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Ware, LB
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On a defense that ranked last in points allowed in 2010, DeMarcus Ware was not so much a bright spot on defense as he was a huge, blinding light.
Ware finished 2010 with a league-leading 15.5 sacks and was named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl. On a team that is hungry for a defensive star, Ware is it.
Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow, QB
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Tim Tebow arrived in the NFL already considered the star of the future. His jersey set a sales record after Denver drafted him.
Starting the last three games of 2010, Denver is set on Tebow becoming the quarterback of the future. He will start many more before his time in Denver is through.
Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT
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The Lions have been the laughingstocks of the NFL for a while. All that seems set to change with recent draft picks.
Ndamukong Suh was drafted second overall in 2010. He proceeded to finish his rookie campaign with a rookie-leading 10 sacks, clinching the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, as well as an All-Pro selection. With Suh on the team, the Lions look to turn around their fortunes in the next few seasons.
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, QB
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While it may be impossible to completely erase Brett Favre from the minds of Packers fans, Aaron Rodgers has done his best to make it happen.
Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2010, finishing the season with a 101.2 quarterback rating while throwing for nearly 4,000 yards for his third season in a row. In Rodgers, the Packers have their quarterback for years to come.
Houston Texans: Andre Johnson, WR
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For any expansion team, a star is necessary to gain favor with the local fans. After being drafted by the Texans in 2003, Andre Johnson became their first real star.
Five of his eight seasons have shown Johnson gain over 1,000 yards receiving, leading the league in 2008 and 2009.
The Texans showed their intention to keep Johnson before last season, signing a two-year extension that will keep Johnson in Houston through 2016. Any team hoping to fill out its offense with Johnson is out of luck for the long-term.
Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning, QB
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A future Hall of Famer. The Colts franchise quarterback. The most popular player in the NFL.
With the Colts placing the franchise tag on Peyton Manning, they have, at the very least, delayed a possible exit by their superstar quarterback. Indianapolis is willing to do whatever it takes to keep its leader in that Colts blue for as long as it can.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB
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Maurice Jones-Drew had a great season in 2010, rushing for over 1,300 yards while playing a pivotal role in the Jaguars passing game. This was all done with a torn meniscus.
The past two seasons have seen Jones-Drew become the face of the Jaguars and a pivotal part of their offense. With Blaine Gabbert arriving, the Jaguars are looking for their first playoff berth since 2007. No doubt Jones-Drew will play a huge role in that attempt.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, RB
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Last season’s playoff berth showed the rise of several Chiefs players. The main star was undoubtedly Jamaal Charles.
Averaging over six yards per carry, Charles was named to his first Pro Bowl. The Chiefs rewarded Charles with a five-year deal, securing Charles' services for the immediate future. Letting go of Charles would be detrimental to their offense. With Kansas City on the rise, Charles is not going anywhere.
Miami Dolphins: Brandon Marshall, WR
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After trading for Marshall before the 2010 season, the Dolphins inked the wideout to a new contract for the next four years.
With his fourth 1,000-yard season in a row, Marshall proved his worth to any doubters that might have remained. Marshall is not going anywhere soon.
Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, RB
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In four years, Adrian Peterson has become one of the premier running backs in the NFL, reaching the Pro Bowl all four years.
Although fighting injuries in 2010, Peterson managed to rush for nearly 1,300 yards with 12 touchdowns. The Vikings have no intention of letting Peterson get away.
New England Patriots: Tom Brady, QB
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There is one thing that three Super Bowl rings get you: job security.
Tom Brady has gone from mid-round draft pick to Patriots legend. Winning the MVP award in 2010, Brady has added onto a legacy that already had him looking at the Hall of Fame by his 30th birthday. With a four-year extension signed before 2010, Brady will remain with the Patriots until he is 36. If New England has anything to say about it, he will be there until his retirement.
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, QB
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Since coming to the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees has become the most efficient quarterback in Saints history, throwing for 22,198 yards in five seasons. As if that was not enough, Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV win, making him a Saints legend.
New York Jets: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT
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D’Brickashaw Ferguson is a rarity in the league—an athletic offensive lineman who has the ability to dominate against defenses.
Named to the last two Pro Bowls, Ferguson has been a consistent player from day one, starting every game since being chosen in the 2006 draft. Trading away a talent like this could be devastating to the Jets offense, a risk they can’t afford to take.
New York Giants: Eli Manning, QB
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Yet another franchise quarterback, Eli Manning has proved himself to the Giants faithful and front office. Trading away Manning, one of the Giants’ most loved players, would be a bad move.
Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB
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Darren McFadden had a breakout season in 2010, rushing for 1,157 yards. After two seasons of subpar performances, McFadden proved his worth in 2010, winning over Raiders fans left and right.
The Raiders have always favored flashy running backs and McFadden is no exception. With his ability to make a big play and his fan appeal, McFadden can count on being in Oakland for as long as he wants.
Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick, QB
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We all know Vick’s story. While his NFL comeback is impressive, his ability to win over the fans that he so easily alienated is more impressive.
Starting out 2010 as Kevin Kolb’s backup quarterback, Vick took over starting duties and immediately made an impact. Finishing in the top four of MVP balloting, Vick could officially be considered a success again.
With his contract expiring this season, the Eagles have said they will place the franchise tag on Vick to keep him around. Teams will have to wait at least another year to get Vick.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, QB
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Ben Roethlisberger has had his ups and downs. One thing has remained through it all, though, and that is the love from Steelers fans.
If Roethlisberger has put his troubles behind him, the Steelers franchise quarterback is a lock for immortality. The Steelers front office is going to give him his shot, keeping him in the black and gold for as long as they can.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson, RB
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With the Rams offense rebuilding, one consistency has been the play of running back Steven Jackson.
Jackson had his sixth straight 1,000-yard rushing season in 2010. Further thrusting himself into Rams lore, Jackson became the all-time Rams rushing leader against the Buccaneers, passing the legendary Eric Dickerson. The Rams front office has named him the team MVP three times. If that means anything, it means Jackson is not leaving St. Louis anytime soon.
San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers, QB
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Philip Rivers led the NFL in passing yards in 2010. He has proven himself time and time again, and although he has yet to win the big one, the Chargers front office showed great faith in him before the 2009 season, signing him to a six-year deal.
Rivers will definitely have his chance for a Super Bowl. The Chargers aren’t going to let it happen elsewhere.
San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Willis, LB
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Patrick Willis recorded 11 tackles in his first NFL game. Now, headed into his fifth season, Willis is considered by many as one of the best linebackers in the game.
The 49ers defense cannot afford to lose his 100-plus tackles a season. The Pro Bowl linebacker will not be going anywhere.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Williams, WR
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When Pete Carroll took over the Seahawks coaching duties, one of the first personnel decisions he made was to reunite with former USC wide receiver Mike Williams.
Williams proved his worth, finally performing like many had expected. After the season ended, the Seahawks signed Williams to a three-year deal, insuring that he would stay with Carroll through 2013.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB
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Josh Freeman led the Buccaneers to 10 wins in 2010, a feat that many did not expect from the young quarterback.
With a core of young players on offense, the Buccaneers look to be primed to become a solid contender again. With Freeman at the helm, Tampa Bay has a solid leader with excellent instincts. It also has its quarterback of the future.
Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson, RB
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Chris Johnson has become a genuine superstar since joining the Tennessee Titans. Rushing for 1,364 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2010, Johnson cemented himself as the Titans go-to guy.
His talent, combined with his fan appeal, will keep Johnson in Tennessee for the long haul.
Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall, CB
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While finding a bright spot on the 2010 Washington Redskins team is no easy feat, DeAngelo Hall made himself a valuable commodity, frequently stopping opposing quarterbacks. His six interceptions put him toward the top of the league.
The Redskins cannot afford to lose a player of Hall’s caliber.
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