More trades were expected this offseason than ever because of the NFL's flat salary cap. Alex Smith, Percy Harvin and Anquan Boldin all were dealt before free agency started, but it has been quiet on the trade front since. (Other than the occasional minor move like Arrelious Benn to the Philadelphia Eagles.)
With the 2013 NFL Draft looming, there are no imminent deadlines to inspire movement. Let's revisit which players are available and examine their chances of being traded.
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Darrelle Revis, New York Jets: It sounds like Revis and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could come to terms on a long-term contract in short order if the Bucs and the Jets can agree on trade compensation. The latest from Peter King says the Buccaneers would be likely to give up a 2014 first- and second-round pick for Revis.Â
This deal should happen eventually, but keep on eye on where free-agent cornerback Brent Grimes lands. If he doesn't sign with Tampa Bay, the Revis trade seems almost inevitable.
It just makes too much sense. The Jets have painted themselves into a corner with Revis. They know Revis won't be back in 2014, but they also know the Bucs are the only team willing to give up significant picks for him. The Jets might just have to accept they won't get a 2013 first-round draft pick in return. If a deal goes down, it probably won't happen until shortly before the draft or even during the draft.
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers: There were suggestions at the NFL Annual Meeting that Williams still could be on the trade market. The Panthers aren't shooting down that notion. Finding a taker for Williams' contract is a long shot, but the St. Louis Rams make some sense. Williams is most likely to stay put, but this is one to watch around draft time.
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Ryan Mallett, New England Patriots: The Cleveland Browns stood pat at quarterback, which raises the chances of a draft-day deal for the Patriots' backup quarterback. Outlets in Cleveland and New England believe a deal is possible, but not especially likely. The Browns don't have a second-round pick in this draft. My guess is that a second rounder in 2014 wouldn't get a deal done. Mallett still has plenty of value to the Patriots as a backup.
Matt Flynn, Seattle Seahawks:Â Coach Pete Carroll has said all along the Seahawks are happy to keep Flynn and his $5.25 million salary. That notion will be tested because there doesn't appear to be any interest in Flynn. The Seattle Times reported they expect Flynn to remain with the team. If the Seahawks drafted a backup for Russell Wilson, perhaps they would just release Flynn.
Tim Tebow, New York Jets: The Jets still are foolishly holding on to Tebow in hopes of finding a suitor. He should be released after the draft at the latest. There's just no reason to think any team would give Tebow a real chance for snaps at quarterback, much less give up a pick for him.
Rolando McClain, Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have allowed McClain's agent to seek a trade for his client, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. We can't imagine any team showing interest in McClain's contract, so look for him to get released.
LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is our last entry in the "wishful thinking" department. The Bucs reportedly want to deal Blount. Perhaps the Jets would take him as part of a Revis trade, but we can't imagine any team giving up a draft pick.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
