NFL Trade Deadline: 3 Deadline Deals That Would Shake Up the NFL

An eventful first quarter of the 2011 NFL season is in the books, which means the Week 6 trade deadline is right around the corner.

The offseason is the best time to conduct trades in the NFL, but some teams aren't able to wait that long. Certain players are at their ideal values, which provides a great scenario for rebuilding teams and for playoff-bound teams in need of a difference maker to work-out deals.

The NFL trade deadline doesn't provide the chaotic level of activity that the NHL or MLB trade deadlines bring, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few intriguing trade scenarios on the horizon this season.

If trades are the inevitable fate of the following three players within the next two weeks, then the NFL will certainly hold its own against other major sports in terms of deadline drama:

Tim Tebow

Much to the annoyance of John Fox, the "Tebow" chants from Denver Broncos crowds will not cease until he either sees the field, or is no longer with the team.

So, why not explore the second option?

We know Fox's stance on giving the former college phenom a shot, and that's not going to change. If Fox was sold on Tebow as an NFL quarterback, he would have made a play to acquire him in the 2010 draft with the Carolina Panthers. The fact that Fox instead pursued Jimmy Clausen speaks volumes.

However, that doesn't mean every coach thinks like Fox. Some teams are in desperate need of a quarterback, and some would just like to have insurance if their starter goes down. Tebow still has a unique skill set, and makes for an intriguing option under center. 

Miami would be an interesting destination for Tebow. Tony Sparano needs a miracle to keep his job, so why not pull out all the stops? The Broncos and Dolphins were in trade talks over the summer regarding Kyle Orton, and no word has emerged yet on the extent of Chad Henne's shoulder injury. Now could be a good time to reopen the phone lines.

Or, why not St. Louis? Sam Bradford is undoubtedly their quarterback of the future, but how long will he last behind a porcelain offensive line? The Rams may need to explore backup options, and Tebow could work well with the man who drafted him in Denver, Josh McDaniels. 

Tebow remains one of the NFL's most polarizing players, but luckily for him, the entire football world doesn't have to be sold on his skills in order for him to find a new place of employment.

At the end of the day, all it takes is one team.

Aaron Curry

Trade speculation talks have swarmed Aaron Curry in recent weeks, and with his encouraging performances in practice, the situation has become even more cloudy.

K.J. Wright has filled in admirably in Curry's spot and now the Seattle Seahawks have a rare advantage to get delayed value from their former fourth-overall pick.

There were rumors that linked him to the Philadelphia Eagles, but recent reports suggest they are not interested despite the lack of production from their current linebacking corps.

The Carolina Panthers could also make a play for Curry after losing Jon Beason and Thomas Davis for the season due to injuries, especially if they are in a position to compete for the NFC South title by the Week 6 deadline.

Curry has yet to live up to his surrounding hype after college, but if it's still possible for him to, he would be the steal of the 2011 NFL season.

Chris Cooley

It would be a sad day in Redskins-land if fan-favorite tight end Chris Cooley departed, but under the new regime of Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan, it wouldn't be for cheap.

The emergence of Fred Davis has forced offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to get creative in order to accommodate two play-making tight ends. So far, it hasn't worked out, and Cooley is the odd man out thus far.

The Shanahan coaches are trying, though. Cooley's even received two carries as a result of their efforts, but for just three yards. Averaging less than two catches per game in 2011 further suggests that Cooley's days of being a cornerstone of the Redskins offense may be over.

However, his days of being a valid target for quarterbacks may not be. Cooley may be a better fit in an offense that is willing to cater to his abilities.

San Diego comes to mind as a good fit. Philip Rivers needs all the help he can get with Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson ailing, and Cooley could provide that. 

The New York Giants are also lacking the same threat from the tight end position that they had in Jeremy Shockey and Kevin Boss. It's rare to see a trade happen within the division, but the Redskins have done it before. Just ask Donovan McNabb.

It's not likely that the Redskins will part ways with Cooley, but he is more expendable now than in previous seasons. If a team is desperate enough to give valuable draft picks for the reliable veteran, then it would be a difficult offer to decline.