I have obviously only included well known players, simply because I don’t know all the lesser known players that could get traded. I should also note that I absolutely think the Cards should be players on the trade market, even though they probably won’t go anywhere this year. First, you can’t just give up before the games are played. Second, Keim needs to do something to save his job. Three, the team does not simply stop to exist when the season ends. It would not just be an upgrade for this year.
OJ Howard – tight end, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Apparently the Bucs have no intention of dealing Howard, as Albert Breer the other day reported that the Patriots had asked, but was told that he was not for sale. On the other hand, Howard has been the topic of several trade speculations, including amongst other insiders and analysts. Also, Howard is barely being used in their offense.
Don’t think of Howard as a tight end. Think of him as a receiver. Of course, he is a good blocker, but he is an outstanding pass catcher, and if both abilities were deployed fully, I think he could be one of the better tight ends in the league. I think Fitzgerald is still performing on a very high level, but outside of him, Howard would easily be the best receiver on the roster. Maybe challenged a little by Kirk, but they would obviously have completely different roles.
The use of tight ends in Kingsbury’s offense has only gone up since the season began. Maybe that has been because of necessity, and maybe it has not.
Give Jason Licht and Bruce Arians a call.
I think he could be had for a second round- and a later round pick.
Leonard Williams – defensive tackle, New York Jets
Just like with Howard, Williams is supposedly not even on the trade block according to his present team. And just like with Howard, that is only until he is on the trade block.
Williams has not at all lived up to his high draft status – and widely considered as his draft class’ best prospect – but I don’t think he has played bad. He is just not a monster (and so far this season has not been good). Also, he is only 25, and talent like he has shown doesn’t just vanish up in the air. Maybe a change of scenery will help.
He can line up in various positions, and he can bring brute force and power to the defensive line. Outside of Corey Peters, I am not impressed with anyone.
I think a third- and a lower round pick would be sufficient.
Jakeem Grant – wide receiver, Miami Dolphins
It’s pretty easy to argue why the Dolphins would move Grant, since they are selling everything with a pulse, and Grant has been brought up as a trade candidate.
Grant is a very small guy, but he is also very, very fast. I mean extremely fast. On top of that, he is elusive and plays with good vision. He is a threat to score on any play. Of the same reasons, he is also a very good special teams player. And actually, he is basically the only guy in the league with those physical abilities that are primarily used as an outside receiver.
Oh, and by the way, he broke numerous school records when playing for Texas Tech under Kliff Kingsbury.
I think Grant could be had for a mid- to late round pick.
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And I am just going to end this post with a quote from tight end, Rob Gronkowski:
“There’s a lot of great coaches out there but there’s one that sticks out. I love [Kingsbury].”
“I know the guy and I just feel like it’d be a great fit. He knows football. He actually played in New England for a year or two, so that would be amazing. Likes to throw it, great personality. It would be awesome.”
It probably means nothing, but I am just saying.
OJ Howard – tight end, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Apparently the Bucs have no intention of dealing Howard, as Albert Breer the other day reported that the Patriots had asked, but was told that he was not for sale. On the other hand, Howard has been the topic of several trade speculations, including amongst other insiders and analysts. Also, Howard is barely being used in their offense.
Don’t think of Howard as a tight end. Think of him as a receiver. Of course, he is a good blocker, but he is an outstanding pass catcher, and if both abilities were deployed fully, I think he could be one of the better tight ends in the league. I think Fitzgerald is still performing on a very high level, but outside of him, Howard would easily be the best receiver on the roster. Maybe challenged a little by Kirk, but they would obviously have completely different roles.
The use of tight ends in Kingsbury’s offense has only gone up since the season began. Maybe that has been because of necessity, and maybe it has not.
Give Jason Licht and Bruce Arians a call.
I think he could be had for a second round- and a later round pick.
Leonard Williams – defensive tackle, New York Jets
Just like with Howard, Williams is supposedly not even on the trade block according to his present team. And just like with Howard, that is only until he is on the trade block.
Williams has not at all lived up to his high draft status – and widely considered as his draft class’ best prospect – but I don’t think he has played bad. He is just not a monster (and so far this season has not been good). Also, he is only 25, and talent like he has shown doesn’t just vanish up in the air. Maybe a change of scenery will help.
He can line up in various positions, and he can bring brute force and power to the defensive line. Outside of Corey Peters, I am not impressed with anyone.
I think a third- and a lower round pick would be sufficient.
Jakeem Grant – wide receiver, Miami Dolphins
It’s pretty easy to argue why the Dolphins would move Grant, since they are selling everything with a pulse, and Grant has been brought up as a trade candidate.
Grant is a very small guy, but he is also very, very fast. I mean extremely fast. On top of that, he is elusive and plays with good vision. He is a threat to score on any play. Of the same reasons, he is also a very good special teams player. And actually, he is basically the only guy in the league with those physical abilities that are primarily used as an outside receiver.
Oh, and by the way, he broke numerous school records when playing for Texas Tech under Kliff Kingsbury.
I think Grant could be had for a mid- to late round pick.
---------------------------
And I am just going to end this post with a quote from tight end, Rob Gronkowski:
“There’s a lot of great coaches out there but there’s one that sticks out. I love [Kingsbury].”
“I know the guy and I just feel like it’d be a great fit. He knows football. He actually played in New England for a year or two, so that would be amazing. Likes to throw it, great personality. It would be awesome.”
It probably means nothing, but I am just saying.
