Yes the NFL Trade Deadline does exist and yes, trades do happen in the NFL. For a league with so much player turnover during the offseason, it is very surprising that usually nothing happens during the trade deadline. It makes sense that the NFL is a totally different animal than the other major sports in that players have to learn hundreds of plays before they can fully participate with their new team, but with these players as good as they are, they could learn enough to be competent in their new system.
With the NFL Trade Deadline on November 3rd, here are the players that deserve a change of scenery the most. It is very doubtful any of these trades happen, by the way.
Robert Griffin III
Ever since his rookie year, RGIII has either under-performed or has been injured. This year, he flat out lost the starting job to Kirk Cousins. He, obviously, does not have a future in Washington and there are a lot of teams that could use a new quarterback. Houston could actually be a good place for him.
Colin Kaepernick
This one may surprise people but I think both the Niners and Kap could use separation. Kap has never been able to meet the expectations that were set out for him by the team, league or Ron Jaworski. The 49ers have struggled mightily this season and look like they are about to enter “overhaul” mode. Kap could potentially get a pretty sizable return and set the 49ers up for a move to a new franchise quarterback later.
Vernon Davis
See reasons above plus Davis’ touches have been going down exponentially in the past few years. Davis could be a serious threat on any team with playoff hopes.
Matt Forte
Forte has carried the Bears’ offense on his back for the better part of his healthy career. He has led the team in receptions, as a running back, and has also shouldered the load when Jay Cutler has been hurt or has thrown the ball too many times into triple coverage. Like Davis, Forte could make any playoff team a serious competitor.
Steve Smith Sr.
This one hurts but Smith deserves a better final season than the one he is currently going through. Although he is catching almost every ball Joe Flacco throws, the team sits at 1-6 and has little to no chance of making the postseason. Smith, like Davis and Forte, would be an impact on any team he joins.
Eric Weddle
Weddle is one of the most underrated safeties in football and he is incredible. A sure tackler with good range and ball skills, Weddle has already said that he is going to play his contract out. With re-signing in San Diego looking dim, Weddle would be a great rental for any playoff team in need of secondary help.
Can you think of anyone else or disagree with me? Let me know on Twitter!
[Photos from Wikimedia, Bloguin, Bleacher Report, AP, Rant Sports, NBC San Diego]
