NFL Trade Machine: Finding Vernon Davis A New Home

Nov 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) prepares to catch a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi

It looks like things are pretty much not going to happen for the San Francisco 49ers this year. Despite their inspired early efforts, the clear losses in leadership, talent and coaching have proven too much for them to overcome this season. With the NFL trade deadline approaching it might compel them to get an early start on 2016 by dealing away one or two veteran players for a draft pick.

According to Bleacher Report, one name to watch on that front is Vernon Davis.

"“One of a few remaining veterans after a tumultuous summer, 49ers tight end Vernon Davis should be the next to leave the Bay Area franchise. A free agent at the end of the season, there’s no reason for Davis to sink with this ship. The 49ers are far from competing, and Davis’ age (31) and high salary history should lead to a trade.Davis is no longer that elite playmaking tight end, but he hasn’t had many chances to shine in this mundane offense. Putting him in a new environment and with a good quarterback could give his career a late second breath.Davis’ $6.97 million salary presents some issues for some contenders, but contracts can be reworked if needed to make a deal happen. The 49ers have ample space open next season, but they will need it to upgrade the rest of the roster. Another $4.9 million would only help.”"

There is no question Davis still has something left in the tank. Unfortunately he looks like he playing with a lack of fire lately, perhaps brought on by the rather rapid decline of the 49ers from Super Bowl contender to #1 pick contender. That can have a really tough impact on the psyche of any player.

Moving him to a team with a chance to win can and should reinvigorate him. Here are some teams that could have interest.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan has a long history of loving to use the tight end. That was clear when he had Tony Gonzalez. Now he’s made due with lesser talents, but the Atlanta Falcons can’t let up in the search for more weapons to take heat off Julio Jones. Adding Davis with his reputation alone would be a big help.

New England Patriots

This is exactly the kind of move Bill Belichick loves to make. Grabbing an older player who probably still has juice in the tank and then squeezing two or three more great seasons from them. Besides that, the New England Patriots love tight ends and have been looking for a second option opposite Rob Gronkowski since the Aaron Hernandez debacle.

New York Giants

The health of Daniel Fells the person is most important here, but the New York Giants will also miss him on the field. It really eats into their depth and takes away another key piece of their offense behind Larry Donnell. With the health of Fells, as well as Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. still shaky, they could use some insurance. Davis would love a chance to play with the quarterback that robbed him of at least one title shot.

Next: NFL Trade Machine: Cameron Wake Becoming Available

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