NFL Trade Machine: Where Can Ravens Ship Arthur Brown?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marlon Brown (14) is tackled by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Arthur Moats (52) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
It’s still early in the 2014 NFL season but already possible trade scenarios are lining up. What are some that have definite credibility?
Chiefs and Packers among Baltimore Ravens targets for Brown
The most recent news that started some trade chatter was when the news leaked that the Baltimore Ravens were surprisingly shopping second-year linebacker Arthur Brown. The 2nd round pick from 2013 has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and was supplanted in favor of rookie C.J. Mosley. Given his youth he still has value and the Ravens are trying to get something back for their investment.
They may have picked a good time to do so. Several teams came out of week 1 with serious questions at linebacker. Among them include the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. Kansas City suffered a grievous loss when Pro Bowl inside linebacker Derrick Johnson went down for the year. The team was already trying to find him help before that, so it’s safe to say they’re thin at the position. As for the Packers, their porous run defense in Seattle was further validation that the middle of their front seven is severely lacking. Adding a young talent like Brown would provide needed depth if anything else and added competition.
Indianapolis Colts searching for Robert Mathis replacement
As if problems with the defense weren’t pronounced enough, the Indianapolis Colts got another devastating punch to the gut when news hit that star pass rusher Robert Mathis would not return from his four-game suspension as expected. That’s because he tore his Achilles while working out. The loss could leave the Colts pass rush anemic all season and only put more pressure on Andrew Luck to carry the team despite no running game and limited protection.
Are there any solutions to be found? Indy is never opposed to aggressive trades in order to improve so as the schedule plays out they may go hunting. Brian Orakpo and Jason Worilds, who are free agents again in 2015 are interesting names to watch.