NFL Trade Deadline: Mario Williams and More Injuries That Could Spark Trades

As many analysts predicted, the abbreviated NFL offseason has been followed by a slew of injuries in the regular year. Among the latest, and most devastating, is the season-ending torn pectoral suffered by Houston LB Mario Williams.

With the trade deadline looming on Tuesday, teams like the Texans could have one last shot at filling their injury holes with quality players. This trio of wounded warriors may have their clubs hitting the phones this weekend:

Mario Williams, Houston

NFL.com suggests that while rookie Brooks Reed projects as the immediate replacement for Williams, the Texans might also look to bring in a veteran to stem the loss of production at OLB. Jason Taylor, the site observes, is one potential target for Houston who wouldn’t break the bank in trade value.

With the Texans very much in the running for the postseason, a trade would certainly be worth exploring. Even when Williams returns next year, more pass rushing depth in Wade Phillips’ defense would hardly be wasted.

Kenny Britt, Tennessee

The Titans’ offense has been one of the surprise successes of the season behind Matt Hasselbeck, but with Britt done for the year with a knee injury, Tennessee doesn’t have a lot of weapons for its veteran QB. The Titans have a real chance to make the playoffs in a wide-open AFC South, but a stronger receiving corps could be just what they need to put them over the top.

With Denver apparently shopping Brandon Lloyd, there’s at least one quality target available if Tennessee wants to take the plunge. Don’t put it past the Titans to go for the short-term gain if the long-term price isn’t too high.

Chad Henne, Miami

This one is somewhat less plausible because Miami can’t even pretend to be a playoff contender in 2011. However, considering that the team was already shopping for a QB during this summer’s abbreviated offseason, Henne’s shoulder surgery has reopened the speculation (if not the likelihood) of the Kyle Orton Trade That Will Not Die.

Orton, of course, has just lost his starting job in Denver, so he might be more willing to the contract restructuring that supposedly quashed this deal back in August. It’s not a realistic outcome, but that certainly won’t stop Dolphins fans from wishing for it right up to the bitter end.