NFL Trades: DeSean Jackson And Other Possibilities

Dec 8, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) returns a punt as Detroit Lions wide receiver Jeremy Ross (12) makes the tackle during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency has come and gone in the first wave.  Now is typically a time where NFL trade talks start to surface.  What are some deals that make sense around the league?

D-Jax to the San Francisco 49ers

By far the most talked about trade target of late is wide receiver DeSean Jackson.  At age 27 he’s coming off the best season of his career with over 1,300 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns.  Anybody with eyes knows his speed and agility are a game changer against defenses.  So it’s no wonder the market could be strong for him.  The issue is both his contract and his rather infamous personality.  Jackson has a history of being somewhat of a malcontent.  No team will want to pay him that kind of money even for that kind of production if they’re getting that mouth in return, otherwise the Eagles wouldn’t dare trade him at all.  So in all likelihood, if Jackson does get dealt it will have to be to a team with head coaches who are proficient at managing outspoken players.  It’s no wonder the San Francisco 49ers are among the interested parties.  Jim Harbaugh has a reputation for handling such types and his offense could really use a speed threat like Jackson.  They also have the draft picks to spare in a deal.  It all comes down to perceived price.

Mike Glennon to the Chicago Bears

For the moment it seems the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are contest to keep Mike Glennon on the roster as a backup for new starter Josh McCown.  However, many experts and fans believe the Bucs will soon add another quarterback to the mix in the NFL draft.  That could mean a squeeze out scenario for Glennon, who was ironically the best rookie quarterback in 2013.  Perhaps the Bucs would do themselves a favor by attempting to trade him for some draft help.  One team they should contact, again ironically is the Chicago Bears.  After all it was that team whom McCown left to become Tampa Bay’s starter and now they’re in the hunt for a new backup, preferably somebody young.  Glennon would benefit greatly under the tutelage of Marc Trestman.  He comes from N.C. State, the same college Trestman coached at in 2005 and 2006.  His size, upside and experience would be worth the investment by the Bears, provided Tampa Bay would settle for a mid round pick in return.

Chris Johnson to the Denver Broncos

Wouldn’t this be the checkmate move in the Cold War arms race going on between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots?  Yes Denver has Monte Ball ready to take over for the departed Knowshon Moreno but the Broncos offense found success with a committee-style attack.  Chris Johnson has likely played his last down in Tennessee.  Despite his continued inconsistencies, most feel he still has plenty of value with that speed and versatility that made him a star.  Can one imagine how much of a renaissance his career could have if he had a chance to play with Peyton Manning behind what should be pretty good offensive line?  It’s actually scary to think about, but in order to happen Johnson will have to consider taking a pay cut first.

Da’Rick Rogers to the New York Giants

Who?  That is what a lot of NFL fans might be asking when the name Da’Rick Rogers gets mentioned but several in football circles certainly have him pegged.  The undrafted free agent out of Tennessee Tech flamed out in Buffalo before landing another shot with the Indianapolis Colts.  It took him awhile, but the 6’3″ kid began to assert himself late in the season and it culminated in a terrific performance against Cincinnati including six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns.  He caught some passes after that and flashed again in the playoffs when he hauled in a huge 46-yard bomb from Andrew Luck that helped drive their epic comeback against Kansas City.  For the right price Indianapolis might be able to squeeze some trade value out of the young receiver now that Hakeem Nicks is in town.  One team that could have some interest is the same team Nicks left, the New York Giants.  Eli Manning has need for another big body in his arsenal to compliment Reuben Randle and Victor Cruz.  Rogers would not be an immediate solution, but he’d make a great upside gamble for a sixth or seventh round pick.