DeAngelo Williams, Steven Jackson, and Dwayne Bowe are among the big-name players who have been mentioned in trade talks as Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline looms. CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora believes big deals are unlikely to be made. NBC/SI reporter Peter King echoed that sentiment, saying the phones are dead leading up to the deadline. Jay Glazer said on FOX NFL Sunday that the players set to be paid big money next season are ones teams might be willing/looking to trade.
Here are the some of the more marquee players whose names have come up in trade talks.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers – Williams signed a five year, $43 million contract before last season began. The contract seemed ill-advised given Carolina’s depth at the position; they also have Jonathan Stewart, who has become the team’s featured back. The Panthers have too much money committed to the running back position, and they likely would want to move Williams if they can. His lack of carries this season — he’s only averaging just over 8 attempts a game — is more reason they would be willing to move him. He also has vented frustration over his lack of work this season. The Charlotte Observer believes Williams will be cut in the offseason if the team is unable to trade him.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams – Jackson has been mentioned by King, LaCanfora, and Glazer as a player whose name has come up in trade talks. The Rams allowed Jackson to void the final years of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent after the season. Though Jackson remains the top back in St. Louis, rookie Daryl Richardson has proven to be a capable back when sharing carries or taking over for Jackson when he’s been hurt. Given Richardon’s emergence, the Rams could be willing to let Jackson go now rather than after the season if they can get something something for him in return.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe could also be traded. Bowe’s name has been in trade talks the past few weeks after word emerged from Yahoo!’s Jason Cole that the receiver “very badly” wants out of Kansas City. Bowe is in the final season of his contract with the Chiefs after receiving a franchise tag. He had 34 catches for 427 yards and three touchdowns entering Sunday. CBS’ Jason LaCanfora reports that it is unlikely Bowe gets traded. Peter King believes Bowe and DeAngelo Williams are the two players most likely to be traded (per Rotoworld).
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – Smith is in the first year of a four-year, $37.75 million contract, with an option for 2016. Smith had a dynamite season last year with 79 catches for 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 28 catches for 471 yards with no touchdowns entering Sunday’s game against the Bears. Jay Glazer mentioned his name as one that has been thrown about at the deadline, though nothing appears imminent. (Jason LaCanfora mentioned the Rams’ Steve Smith as a player who could get traded).
Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers – Finley was another player whose name has been thrown around at the deadline, per Glazer. Finley is set to make $4.45 million next season and is due a $3.5 million roster bonus in March (per Rotoworld). He is currently playing through a shoulder injury, and has disappointed given his lofty expectations. His public statements that he and quarterback Aaron Rodgers lack chemistry, coupled with his agent’s criticism of Rodgers, have created awkward situations in Green Bay.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Bucs – Blount fell out of favor quickly in Tampa Bay where he has been supplanted by rookie Doug Martin as the team’s starting back. LaCanfora says many team executives would not be surprised if he were traded by the deadline. Blount hasn’t had more than 8 carries in a game the entire season. He’ll be a free agent after the year.
