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NFL Trade Machine: Cameron Wake Becoming Available

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) celebrates after a sack against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

With week 8 not too much further off, the NFL trade deadline is becoming a serious factor in team decisions regarding their rosters.  Those who are falling far behind are entering sell mode, looking to unload quality veteran players in exchange for draft picks while playoff contenders scan to see if they can swipe a valuable piece that might be the final component to a championship puzzle.

One name that has begun to draw attention is Cameron Wake.  The 33-year old defensive end, a former CFL standout who came south and has since racked up 63 sacks as a member of the Miami Dolphins, may be unprotected.  The team is really struggling at the moment and their coaching staff has bee largely gutted due to a 1-3 start.

Wake himself isn’t helping matter by not putting up his typical production.  Thus far he has no sacks on the season and is logging only limited time due to a lingering hamstring issue.

This has led to speculation, that with another year on his contract a team might want to take the chance on trading for him at the deadline in hopes the injury clears up and they get the Wake who produced 11.5 sacks in 2014.  It’s a gamble for sure but one that could pay off huge.  In all likelihood it wouldn’t take much to get him given his age.  No more than 4th round pick.

Here are some teams who might have interest.

Atlanta Falcons

Being 5-0, there is no question the Atlanta Falcons can afford to be aggressive on the trade market if they wish.  As well as their defense has played of late, it’s still struggling to come up with sacks.  They only have six on the season.  Wake might not be able to help them right away, but with Matt Ryan handling things on offense they could be patient with him and save him for a push down the stretch.

New York Giants

Jason Pierre-Paul is still not back, so the New York Giants have had to get creative without any legitimate pass rusher to anchor their front.  Thanks to their ongoing surge, the team is in the driver seat of the NFC East led by the rebounding play of Eli Manning.  So in truth they can get away with not have a top pass rush for now.  However, by December they’ll need it.  Wake should be healthier by then.

Seattle Seahawks

This is exactly the kind of move Pete Carroll and John Schneider would make.  They don’t mind taking chances on quality veterans if they could be gotten for cheap and the Seattle Seahwks put a premium on pass rushers.  Their defense has not played up to expectations of late, and getting to the quarterback is a big reason why (10 sacks).  Wake might be rejuvenated going to that city with a chance to play on that defense and make the playoffs.

Next: St. Louis Rams Draft Report Card: Todd Gurley

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