When looking for a trade partner, there are 2 factors you need to look for: depth at the position you need on the other team, and a need on the other team at a position of strength on you own team. In my fantasy leagues, they call me trader jack, because I do many trades. I succeed in finding willing trade partners by looking at their roster and seeing what they need, and then offering them what they need for what I need. With that in mind, here are some teams that might make willing trade partners for Ozzie and the ravens, if, as Adam Schefter reports, there is another move in our future.
1) Seattle Seahawks: Although Marcus Trufant is not going anywhere, there is an interesting battle for the starting spot opposite him between former Md CB Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings. Wilson has had great numbers the past 2 years, with 76 tackles, 4 int (1 td), 3 ff and 1 sack in 08 and 45 tackles, 2 int (2 tds), and 1 sack in 4 less games in 09. Jennings, 28, was their 1st rounder in 2006 and has contributed every year since then, averaging 42 tackles over 4 years, but only recording 1 pick. Behind them are are a few rookies and 2nd year players, so their depth is not great, but since they are likely not a contender to win their conference, if they can bolster themselves at other positions of weakness by dealing one CB, they might be willing to do it. As for need, although they are loaded at LB with Tatapu, Hawthorne, Curry and Leroy Hill, the run a 4-3 and could lack any experience or proven players on the line outside of DT Chris Cole and DE Chris Clemons. They have solid backups in Lawrence Jackson and 09 pick Nick Reed, and Brandon Mebane has been solid yet unspectacular so far in his career, but overall they are lacking on the D-line. Their depth at LB could also be bolstered.
2) Denver Broncos- Champ Bailey is likely a pipe dream as we likely wouldn't offer more than a player and a 3rd rounder, and they would want at least a 2nd rounder. But they also have several other nice players at the position, and a need with Dumervil out for the year and potential replacement Jarvis Moss breaking his hand, leaving an already weak unit weaker. They could use help at both ILB and OLB, and their need for a pass rush without Dumervil is great. Andre Goodman, who signed with Denver the same time we signed Foxworth, is a solid player who might be around the right value for one of our LB's. Other CB's on their roster are Alphonso Smith, who so far has been a bust; Nate Jones, a 6 year vet with lots of playing time in Dallas and Miami, and 2010 5th round pick Perrish Cox.
3) Chicago Bears- They have plenty of depth at CB, even after letting former Pro-bowl CB Nathan Vasher walk. Their abundance of skilled include Zachary Bowman, Charles Tillman, Danieal Manning and Corey Graham, all experienced CB's in the league. They also have 2009 4th rounder D.J. Moore and FA signee Tim Jennings, a significant contributor on Indy's super bowl champion team. Manning and Graham would be our most likely targets, both players who have over 90 tackles in a season recently. They have players who could definitely help us; the problem is what to give them. They seem pretty loaded at our positions of strength, with players like Peppers, Tommie Harris, Mark Anderson and Anthony Adams at D-line, and incumbents Urlacher, Briggs and Hillenmeyer at LB. They could probably use depth at those positions, especially D-line, but I am not sure that would be enough to deal one of these CB's unless they would have to cut someone they like alot. Their major need is O-line, and I am not sure I like our depth enough to deal anyone from our team this year. However, it is possible they would want to deal if we were willing to deal a S. At the FS spot, they have a 2nd year player starting and a rookie backup.
4) NY Giants- They are pretty solid on the D-line, but their LB leave much to be desired with the fragile Michael Boley on one side, and 2nd year LB Clint Sintim on the other. Their CB depth is basically at the 2/3 spot, where Terrell Thomas has a firm hold on the #2 spot which he took from Aaron Ross due to injury. After Ross, they are actually just a collection of rookies and undrafted young players, so it is unlikely they deal their proven #3, even if it fills needs.
In conclusion: There would seem to be 3 very good teams that fit our needs with their needs. Out of the proven players out there, Kelly Jennings, Andre Goodman, Danieal Manning and Corey Graham, I think there are several good options out there. Our assets include: Antwan Barnes, Taveres Gooden, Jason Phillips, Jameel McClain, Brandon McKinney, Arthur Jones, Kelly Talavou, Lamar Divens, Haruki Nakamura, Willis McGahee and Mark Clayton. Players like Arthur Jones and Phillips are not going to net us much, and Willis and Nakamura will serve us better if we hold on to them. The ones who should be the most attractive to other teams are Barnes, McClain, McKinney and Talavou. Cheap, unproven talent with upside. My favorite out of the players I listed are Manning and Jennings, with Manning the better choice in my opinion. The question is what the bears would want from us for him. Denver may be a better fit due to their sudden need of a pass rush, with a player like Barnes being a good fit. Barnes and a 4th for Goodman. If Seattle is the match, we could probably offer Barnes and a DT like McKinney, Divens or Talavou for Jennings. Any of these scenarios would make me happy!
Poll
Who would you prefer out of these choices?
Danieal Manning (15 votes)
Andre Goodman (17 votes)
Corey Graham (2 votes)
Kelly Jennings (11 votes)
45 total votes


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