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NFL Trade Machine: Sean Smith To The Patriots

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Gil Brandt, a long-time football scout, executive and analyst compiled a list recently of players he feels could be part of an NFL trade before the deadline at the end of week 8.  It’s included some interesting ideas from sending Vernon Davis to Denver or Calvin Johnson to Carolina.  However, one rather interesting idea was the last on the list.

It involves the Kansas City Chiefs dealing cornerback Sean Smith to New England.

"“Three years ago, Bill Belichick successfully landed some needed cornerback help when he plucked Aqib Talib from the Bucs. This season, Smith could be Belichick’s Talib. The seventh-year pro fits the Patriots’ mold as a tall (6-foot-3) corner with long arms, and he could really help their secondary. I could see him moving for a sixth-rounder.”"

The logic from the Patriots’ perspective is obvious.  Few head coaches value cornerbacks like Bill Belichick given the high importance of the passing game these days.  He loves to play physical press coverage and force opposing receivers to win their matchups consistently.  When he has the horses, like he did last year with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, it’s highly difficult to do.

Thus far in 2015 New England is nowhere near what it was.  They rank a mediocre 18th in the league against the pass (248 yards per game).  Part of the problem is a depleted corps of corners.  Their best player is Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, an undrafted free agent a year ago and fifth on the depth chart prior to his big moment.  Sean Smith, an established starter for a top defense would be a tremendous help.

So what about the Chiefs?  Well, despite their win over Pittsburgh it’s not looking good for them in the playoffs picture at 2-5, trailing far behind 6-0 Denver.  At some point soon they have to consider beginning preparations for 2016 and that means collecting more draft picks.  Smith is in the final year of current deal.  Given the presence of first round pick Marcus Peters, third round pick Steven Nelson and the anticipated return of Phillip Gaines (IR) they have the depth required for such a move to be possible.

After all, Smith did miss the first three games of the season and the defense got on just fine without him. It’s the right situation and ingredients to produce a trade.  The sticking point will be whether Kansas City is willing to deal the corner to an AFC rival.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Beware The Trade Avalanche

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