QUOTE: “Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -- Attributed to Howard Thurman
Major League Baseball playoffs start today, which reminds me of an annual rite every summer in which losing teams trade their star players to teams making playoff runs as the trading deadline nears. Most of the time, the compensation – at least in fans’ eyes – appears lopsided in favor of the team gaining the established veteran player. But if the right trade is made, the team that gets the minor league prospects can set up its future very nicely. It all comes down to making the right deal for the right players.
In football, we have nothing similar, but frankly, I wish we did. The trading deadline is less than two weeks away, and with 28 of 32 NFL teams having played one quarter of their season, we essentially know which teams can make playoff runs and which teams need to build for the future.
Today, I thought I’d make a few suggestions to teams that might want to stockpile draft picks and teams that might want to find that one player who can put them over the top.
NOTE: Braylon Edwards was traded to the Jets this morning after I had already written this column. I’ll keep his name here so you can understand my logic when I wrote it.
CAROLINA JULIUS PEPPERS
The Panthers are paying Peppers entirely too much coin for the production he brings to the defense. He’s not Dwight Freeney in terms of getting pressure — Peppers is more of a sack man than a pressure man. This season, he has one sack in three games, and thinking long term, how can the Panthers re-sign him next year? How can they want to re-sign him next year? How can they commit that much money to one player (I realize there might not be a cap in 2010, but I believe me, teams will have internal caps)? Their choices are to let Peppers become a free agent and figure they will receive a compensatory third-round pick in another year, or trade him now, shed the cost and think for the future.
The hard part about trading Peppers is that very few teams can fit his salary cap number under their cap. So this trade might be difficult for the Panthers to make. But they need to find a way to recoup some picks next year after trading their No. 1 to San Francisco for a second in the ‘09 draft in which they picked Everett Brown. Who might be interested? I would think the Packers might want to make a call and dangle their second-round pick, figuring there aren’t many teams capable of making the deal, so why bid against yourself? The Packers could use Peppers in a role that might enhance his game, getting him matched on backs as he attacks the pocket from the linebacker position. This actually might be a good marriage, assuming you could get Packers GM Ted Thompson to spend some money and get the Panthers to admit their season is over — two very hard assumptions to make.
CLEVELAND BRAYLON EDWARDS
If I’m Browns owner Randy Lerner, I’m not sure I would let head coach Eric Mangini make a deal based on his track record of taking a bunch of players for the fifth pick in the draft. But moving Edwards does appear logical. He might not be a free agent at the end of the season if the NFL goes uncapped, which would push the requirement for free agency from four to six years.
Sources have told me the Browns are back to shopping Edwards, and I’m very confident they have interest from the Dolphins and the Jets. If they can get those two teams involved, they might get more for Edwards than he’s actually worth based on his play. However, the Dolphins are having a bad season and might not want to go all in, so this might limit their bidding.
My sense is that the Jets will not get outbid and would be willing to spend their second-round pick this year and might even throw more on the table. Edwards could really make the Jets a better offensive team and help Mark Sanchez continue to develop.
STEVEN JACKSON ST. LOUIS
Jackson is the only playmaker on the Rams and trading him would really deplete their offense — or would it? The Rams have scored 24 points with Jackson, so how much is he really helping? By the time the Rams get good enough, Jackson’s career might be over. So the Rams might want to think about moving Jackson to gain some much-needed draft picks to help the rebuilding.
Who might be interested in Jackson? Good question. If he landed in Philadelphia, he would give the Eagles the big back they need and protection against Brian Westbrook getting hurt. Plus, the Eagles might be able to get Jackson at a cheaper price than his talent level, based on his lack of durability and the lack of interest his services may generate.
DUNTA ROBINSON HOUSTON
The Texans couldn’t sign Robinson to a multi-year deal this offseason, and with him they still struggle defending the pass. Can they ever get him signed to a long-term deal? Do they want to invest in a long-term deal? I’m not sure on either, but if the Texans can interest some of the teams that need corners, i.e. the Ravens and Bears, they might be able to make a deal.
CHRIS HOVAN TAMPA BAY
The Bucs want bigger defensive tackles in their front and Hovan does not fit their new style. It might be worth a call to the Falcons, who need a quick-moving tackle to supplement the loss of Peria Jerry. I know you don’t like to do business with your competitors, but this might make sense of both teams.
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Aside from the Braylon Edwards entry, these are all based on what would make the most sense for the team (rather than info from sources), right? As an Eagles fan, the Jackson thing got me excited, but if your suggestion the Eagles trade for him is just based on what someone with common sense would do, well, then, given Reid's track record at RB and the running game, I won't get my hopes up.
What about Green Bay trading Aaron Kampman before his value drops even further this year playing OLB? He is used in coverage way too often, and when he is used to rush the passer he looks out of sync and without any explosiveness.
Mike: The Packers should trade Kaupman and a fourth for Peppers. What say you?
Nice insight on the Edwards deal, except for the part where you state that Edwards will help the development of Sanchez. The drops, the lack of effort, the attitude....throw it all in a blender with the NYC night life and NYC media and it's a disaster waiting to happen.
If TT makes a move in Green Bay you have to think it's on the o-line, but I think they are the team that should make move for Jackson. He'll take pressure of the passing game and would function much better on dumps and screens than Grant does.
Robinson's value is two low right now to move. Coming of injuries, a lost preseason, a holdout, and bad play this season what would they get for him. They need to hope he turns it around later in the season and sign him long term.
I agree with moving Peppers. What about defense first teams like Denver and SanFran? Not sure what their cap situations are but looking at their rosters it shouldn't be that bad. Add Peppers to the mix to either of those defenses and they will be very hard to move the ball on.
Very impressive on the Braylon Edwards call . Now if you can use your jedi mind control to get Thomas Dimitroff to get Chris Hovan I would be most happy . Ditto on Julius Peppers . He looks like a shell of his former self . Can Houston really trade Robinson now ?
What is Steven Jacksons trade value ? Best fit might be the Jaguars . MJD's backup though didn't look to bad in mop up duty & was a seventh round pick . Would anyone even give a 4th round pick for him ? I love these " lets play GM & speculate " articles . Lots of fun .
The Eagles already have big backs they don't use. Leonard Weaver and Eldra Buckley.
There was a lot of talk this offseason, after the Pack's switch to the 3-4, that they should trade Kampman to Carolina for Peppers. It was mostly shot down, but I still think it might make sense. I love Kampman, there isn't a better 'football guy' out there. But he's a free agent after this year, and I really don't think he likes this 3-4 thing. He looked ineffective Monday against the Vikes, and it's not his fault. We took a great defensive end and made him an average linebacker. Peppers doesn't seem to have nearly the drive that Kampman does, but if the Pack's gonna lose him anyway, try and get a guy for him now.
Is Cleveland now officially the Jets' farm team? First they relieve the Jets of having to pay fired coach Eric Mangini by hiring him. Then they graciously allow the Jets to take Mark Sanchez. Now they send their best wideout to try and fix the Jets receiver deficiency.
Hey Browns, how about spreading it around? I can get you a big, athletic strong-armed QB with three years starting experience and great numbers for only 2 number one picks. Call Danny Snyder. ps. He'll be willing to throw in a head coach as well.
I'd love to see chicago pick up steven jackson,with peterson down,they are down another RB.
His running style would compliment matt forte.
Boldin to the Bears would be a great move. If the Cards continue to slide that move would help the Bears and relieve them of the contract renewal issue -- not sure the Bears have anything to swap but of all the teams truly in the hunt, they seem one that could use help at that position.
Did the Browns trade Edwards or did LeBron trade him? Did the Jets order an eye exam or is Sanchez going to have to live with Brayon's case of the dropsies? I can't think of an in season trade for a wide receiver that has worked...Mike - last year you said it would be hard for a receiver to learn the playbook when the Roy Williams trade occured. How could this be a good thing for Sanchez right now?
The Chargers should trade for Steven Jackson if he's available.
Other players the Chargers need to inquire about: NTs Shawn Rodgers and Jason Ferguson.
The Chargers should dangle thier 2nd rounder next year to get one of those 3 players.
I agree with you. I have never understood why the NFL doesn't extend the deadline by at least a couple of weeks. I have heard the reasons, but I still think it would help spice things up a bit. When talking midseason trades like this I always think of Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz. Doyle helped Detroit get to the playoffs and Smoltz became well Smoltz. Maybe the new CBA will help in this regard.
As a Falcons fan, I think I would prefer Dunta to Hovan. We don't have a 2 this year, but maybe Dunta and a 3 for our 1. I would also take Kampman in a heartbeat. Maybe we could scam GB into taking Jam and our 1 for Kampman.:)
What is the argument for the current deadline?
The idea of a Kampmann - Peppers trade has some merit but I think of the names listed here, Jackson is the one that would make the most sense in GB. I have nothing against Grant but behind him, we ain't got crap.
Hey Mike, any O-linemen you think would be on the table?
Here are a few possibilities for Peppers---> Packers.
1. WR James Jones Or WR Jordy Nelson + 4rd round pick.- Panthers get a pick and a choice of a young WR.
2. 2nd round pick for Peppers
3. LB AJ Hawk + 5th round pick for Peppers- Hawk would probably be an upgrade over Na'il Diggs.
I don't think Kampman for Peppers would work all that well. The point of the move for the Panthers would be to acquire young talent and picks. Not a DE who is older than Peppers.
I completely agree that Green Bay should go after Jackson. Hell, give the Rams Kampman, Poppings and a four for the guy. GB has way too many linebackers splitting time anyway. And put "deer in the headlights" Grant on the bench where he belongs.
The Panthers need to enter rebuilding mode soon, unfortunately they're about to get a jolt of confidence from the easy stretch of their schedule: 'skins, Bucs, Bills and Cards. Fair chance of going 2-2 or 3-1 there, sigh.
The Panthers probably never should have franchised Julius Peppers as obviously everything has gone downhill for them this season with no sign of respite. As for the Browns, kudos for getting rid of Braylon Edwards. If they could send Mangini packing, that would be an excellent day! I can see Steven Jackson going to the Eagles. In any case, the Broncos continue to impress and I hope we beat the Pats to improve to 5-0. GO BRONCOS!!!
I'd hate to see Kampman go, but it would be great to trade him for some OL help.
The very poster (I think Pantherphan) hit the Peppers situation right on the head. Of course Carolina should trade him, but you can't have a transaction without a counterparty.
Peppers is extremely expensive, waffles and the Panthers can only trade him at a discount. He'd have to sign and trade and considering his franchise tag, probably wouldn't take a significant paycut. His play does not justify the crippling salary and Carolina was foolish to franchinse him. It handcuffed their entire offseason!
In regard to some of the Packers comments:
1) Everyone wants to blame Ryan Grant for the running game. Is he great? No. Is he good? We think so; ran decently on Monday night. Is the Packers offensive line bad? Oh god yes. So trade assets for a back with some miles on him, without addressing the biggest issue with their offense? Brandon Jackson might provide a good change of pace once he comes back.
1b) Trade two OLBs for an RB? You'd be left with Jeremy Thompson (has barely played), Clay Mathews (rookie) and Brad Jones (rookie, special teams) at OLB. Does that make any sense?
2) Kampman has played 4 games at OLB. Julius Peppers has played 0 at OLB. So trade for Peppers, have him learn a new defense, and he will be up to speed when? At the end of the season? Might Kampman get better, and Capers figure out how best to deploy him in the scheme as the season progresses? They are both FA's after the year. Who's more expensive to resign (if either one wants to)?
3) Why trade AJ Hawk? He has been solid against the run, good in pass coverage. He'll be under contract for another year.
4) Why trade a young wideout? Driver is great but getting older. The offense relies on passing; an injury at the position severely handicaps the offense without depth.
The Packers need help on the O-line first and foremost. At the end of the season they can evaluate their personal and what they need on the defense. It's the first year for the 3-4 for crying out loud.
I would be watching the Patriots very closely on Jackson. They have a billion draft picks and are a running back away from being nearly unstoppable offensively..... A healthy Jackson on the Pats makes them the hands down favorites in the AFC.
Edwards isn't a favorite of mine, but what he can do is make a passer confident in the catch radius he commands. He can get to a football many would not grab, and make the catch or at least enough of a play on the ball that the other team cannot get it. That is important down the stretch, and this ability magnifies in bad weather, where position and possession often outplay pure speed.
He doesn't sell me on the speed and YAC factor, but the fact remains he can assert a presence upon the playing field that at least keeps your team in the game. He clears the competetive threshold for moving the chains. Several teams that were hopeful heading into this year lack what he brings to a team, Miami comes to mind. The Jets may have well blocked them also?
Even though Carolina stinks right now, I don't think you can trade as high-profile a player as Peppers without royally alienating their fans. They don't care right now about going to the playoffs -- they care about winning the remaining home games.
I'm racking my brain for another mid-season acquisition that made a big difference -- can anyone help?
Christian and scduff have it right. Peppers to the Pack and Kampman to the Panthers. Kampman just can't get traction in the 3-4. Still a fine DE but getting lost in the shuffle. Peppers, Picket, Jenkins and also Raji for the front three. Now that is tasty
Again, why is Julius Peppers a given as a 3-4 OLB? He's athletic, sure. Say they swing this trade right today. He's a full time starter up-to-speed....when? In time for him to be a free agent? And you pay him more than James Harrison after 10-12 games at the position?
You're going to invest all kinds of money in Peppers when in the offseason the Pack will probably need to find 2 OT's (Imperative to get Clifton's successor and Barbre's replacement) and probably a guard? They're going to get 3 starters in the draft? They also have other players they're looking to extend (Nick Collins). Also will go for another big DL, even if it's a backup.
Jeff - I see what you're saying about Jackson and I like what the kid brings but that doesn't change the fact that he's now missed a total of 12 games in the first 36 games he was eligible to play in. And that's a guy who isn't getting a lot of touches. How much confidence can you put into a player currently missing an average of one every three games?
You might recall that the only reason Grant ever got a shot at playing was due to injuries to Jackson and others in 2007 - Jackson was the starter, couldn't stay healthy. And his pass protection is suspect which means it's unlikely he's going to get on the field much unless the line starts producing.
Christian and scduff have it right. Peppers to the Pack and Kampman to the Panthers. Kampman just can't get traction in the 3-4. Still a fine DE but getting lost in the shuffle. Peppers, Picket, Jenkins and also Raji for the front three. Now that is tasty
Personally I would love the idea of Steven Jackson in a Packer uniform.... Trade Grant, Hawk or Kampman and a draft pick and let's get this beast in the NFC North.
I would love to see Steven Jackson in a Packer uni. Trade Grant and Hawk (or other LB besides Mathews) and lets get him in the NFC North.
As a Bills fan, I would like to see an array of players traded. Kelsay and Parrish have been said to be on the trade market at times during the offseason and into the regular season. I don't think the club will trade for anyone significant. They are such a mess right now.
What is Pepper's value right now? A huge salary for a guy that only gets stats against lower tier offensive linemen. He could have had a long term contract with guaranteed money but instead gambled it away for one year money. Forget Crabtree, this guy should be firing his agent (ex-college buddy). I wonder if Jack Bechta would have giving the same advice to him in the off season? I doubt it.
The Packers would want, and rightly so, to trade Aaron K for J Peppers. You siply do not trade overachievers for underachievers.
Sorry, Jeff, but referring to Kampman, Poppongus and any TT fourth rounder as "assets" makes you an asshat. You think the Rams' line is any good? Jackson would make the GB offense very hard to stop.
Stephen jackson is a premier rb, find it hard to beleive he's going to be happy as a 'complimnetary back' he's a number 1 rb and the Rams would demand that type of compensation.
There are plenty of other Linebackers on the Packers roster who can fill that roll. Peppers goes right on the front three. Raji is going to eventually be playing that middle.
Jackson would make the GB offense very hard to stop.
Thank you for information comments.
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Oct 07, 2009
10:23 AM
Yes, the Panthers should trade Peppers but no one will be dumb enough to do so. He'll be a UFA next year and with the way he's playing this year they can pay him A LOT less. His production is pitiful. Honestly, he's not that good. He is what you call overrated!!!