It’s unlikely that another trade as big as the one that sent Percy Harvin to the New York Jets will take place again this season. But in an NFL that has seen an increase in the number of trades over the past few years, more deals could be made before the Oct. 28 deadline.
Among the players who could be available are Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham, Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning.
Here is a breakdown of each of the three players reportedly on the trade block, as well as potential fits and landing spots.
Jermaine Greshman
Before the Seahawks traded away Harvin to the Jets, they gauged the interest in the Broncos and Browns in tight ends Julius Thomas and Jordan Cameron, respectively. Apparently, the Seahawks are looking to add an athletic touchdown-grabber to the mix, especially with the injury to Zach Miller.
Gresham is in a contract year, and it seems unlikely Cincinnati will re-sign him given the fact that last year they drafted Tyler Eifert in the first round out of Notre Dame.
One more who may be available at the right price: #Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham. In a contract year, once Tyler Eifert returns from injury…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2014
The former first-round pick back in 2010, Gresham fits the mold of an athletic tight end. However, he has been utilized in an offense that is driven around A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard. Pete Carroll has made a habit out of getting the most of players cast off by other teams; remember the trade to acquire Marshawn Lynch? Gresham could immediately be the Seahawks’ starting tight end C.J. Spiller was expected to be the game-breaking running back in Buffalo, but Fred Jackson has been the focal point of Doug Marrone‘s offense. In fact, Spiller has been a non-factor under the Marrone regime after beginning to play like a first-round pick in Chan Gailey’s offense. According to Rapoport, the Cowboys had interest in Spiller in 2013. Like Gresham, Spiller is in a contract year, and after a statistically subpar 2014 campaign could be available for cheap as a free agent this spring.
Last year, #Cowboys had preliminary interest in #Bills RB CJ Spiller. In a contract year now, he’ll generate trade talk this year. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2014
But should Dallas again show interest in the dynamic Spiller, he could be a valuable change-of-pace back to the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray. Not only would he add another element to the Cowboys’ passing game as a receiver out of the backfield, he could be a solid insurance policy should Murray suffer an injury, which history dictates is a realistic possibility.
Vincent Jackson
One of the league’s best deep threats and consistent wide receivers over the past couple of years, Jackson can instantly fill in as a No. 1 wide receiver on most NFL teams. Contenders that lack a true top-tier wideout include the 49ers, Saints, Steelers, Browns, Patriots, Eagles and his former club, the Chargers.
Who else could be traded? I’m told #Bucs are getting tons of calls on WR Vincent Jackson. TB loves him as a player, but considers everything
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2014
Michael Crabtree is a free agent after the season, so Jackson could slide in as his replacement. The Saints’ offense revolves around tight end Jimmy Graham, and Jackson is an excellent compliment to first-round pick Brandin Cooks. Marques Colston is certainly on the decline.
Antonio Brown is among the NFL’s top receivers, but he lacks help around him. Jackson could draw attention away from Brown. Like New Orleans, the Pats’ best weapon in the passing game is their tight end, Rob Gronkowski. Jackson gives Tom Brady a true wide receiver to target in the passing game.
The Eagles have gotten by with the likes of Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, but Jackson would instantly be the best wide receiver on that roster. And let’s not rule out a homecoming to San Diego, where the NFL’s leading MVP candidate could do even more damage if he were to reunite with his former top target.
