NFL Trade Rumors: Should Jets Trade WR Derrick Mason After Critical Comments?

After complaining following the New York Jets' loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, receiver Derrick Mason found himself on the sidelines for the majority of the Jets' 30-21 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

While Mason lined up for a handful of plays on Sunday, it was rookie receiver Jeremy Kerley who received the majority of the snaps as the Jets No. 3 receiver. Head coach Rex Ryan said he just wanted to give Kerley a look, but ESPNNewYork.com reported that it was because of his mouth.

Said Mason after the Jets' loss to the Ravens, via The New York Post:

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"Somebody has got to man up and say, 'Hey we’ve got to get this done. [Bleep] the dumb stuff. We’ve got to get it done.

"Obviously, there are some things that need to change. They have to change -- it is evident. You saw it, there are some cracks, and nobody really wants to identify the cracks. Until we identify the cracks, we’re going to keep having the same problems. Whenever somebody wants to fill up the cracks, then we can continue to move forward."

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If that wasn't enough of a mouthful, Mason also criticized the Jets (see: quarterback Mark Sanchez) for turning the ball over four times against the Ravens.

The question is, if Mason was benched for his choice words, should he be traded for being a disruption in the clubhouse?

It's worth noting that the Jets offense hasn't been going smoothly as it is. Besides Sanchez's four turnovers against the Ravens, the team has been sticking to their run-first mentality with disappointing results. Running back Shonn Greene, who the team has been waiting on to emerge since drafting him in 2009, had his best performance of the season in Week 5, but he still only averaged 4.0 yards per carry, certainly not game-changing.

The added disruption Mason appears to have brought on only makes things worse. It's like turning a problem into pure chaos.

Do I expect the Jets to trade Mason? No. He racked up 807 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season with the Ravens and he's too valuable to the Jets' struggling passing game.

But can a talented player's off-the-field behavior lead to a trade or dismissal from the team? Absolutely. You only have to look at players like Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and Albert Haynesworth to understand that.

It's also worth noting that Kerley produced 35 receiving yards and a touchdown while playing in only 18 plays on Sunday.

The Jets should try to smoothe things out now, but if Mason proves to be a clear distraction, it may be wise to let him go.