NFL Trade Machine: Jaguars Mulling Zane Beadles

Sep 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Zane Beadles (68) on the sideline during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not always the skill position players that capture attention on the NFL trade market. Linemen are every bit as important to the effort of helping a team win. That was why the Jacksonville Jaguars handed Zane Beadles a $30 million contract in 2014. His success in Denver showed how valuable a good guard could be to the growth of a quarterback.

It’s not like his season was bad either. Pro Football Focus gave him a rating of +1.9 for the year, allowing just two sacks and three hits in 16 games.

Still, there is some belief that the Jaguars may find more value in trading the 28-year old, especially after what has happened during this offseason.

"“The Jaguars used their third-round selection in this year’s NFL draft on A.J. Cann, who projects to be Beadles’ replacement sooner than later. A four-year starter at South Carolina, Cann is a strong, technically sound blocker who should be ready to take on a starting role as soon as possible.Furthermore, the Jaguars also signed veteran offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, who can compete with Luke Bowanko at center but also provide depth at all three interior line spots, to a one-year, $2.5 million contract this offseason.”"

Trading him right now would save the team $3 million on the cap they could they use for later to continue upgrading the roster at area of greater need. It’s just a matter of finding a team that might be interested.

Possible Option: Chicago Bears

There are two key reasons why this team makes sense. The Chicago Bears are thin on the offensive line at present. They’ve been mulling the idea of moving Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long outside to tackle but struggle with what they could do to replace him. Trading for Beadles would solve that problem as they could either slide him into Long’s spot or move left guard Matt Slauson over so Beadles can play at his natural left spot.

The other part is Beadles would be entering a familiar offense. After all, he spent most of his time in Denver playing for head coach John Fox, who is now in charge of the Bears. He also has familiarity with offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was quarterbacks coach in 2012, the year Beadles reached his lone Pro Bowl. A year later as OC, the two helped the Broncos reach the Super Bowl.

It’s as good a match as Jacksonville will find provided their desire to trade him intensifies.

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