There are players every year in the NFL that are reaching the end of their careers or the back end of them. Some are loyal to their teams, while others are just reaching for one more pay day. The fact is, we have players with stellar careers, but few opportunities to have post season success. Loyalty over rings, seems legit right? I have stumbled upon a few trade possibilities that could save a few teams and players post season hopes.
Joe Thomas LT (CLE) – This guy has been a corner stone for the Cleveland Browns for 10 years. The 32 year old LT has been the best in the league for most of his career, six first team all pro awards, gracing the top 100 players eight times, and ten pro bowls to bat. He has never been to the playoffs EVER!! That is a complete shame, that a future HOFer has been losing his entire career. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed just 6 QB pressures on 231 pass blocking snaps. That is incredible play for a 32 year old veteran, he is their highest rated tackle with a grade of 88.9!! He has protected the longest list of horrible quarterbacks in history from: Johnny Manziel, RG3, Brian Hoyer, Brock Osweiler, Brandon Weeden and more. Thomas deserves to be traded to a current contender, so his elite play translating winning! He is a brick wall in the pass game and has been a bulldozer on the ground. Someone PLEASE turn this Brown into a Super Bowl contender SOON!!! Team Fits: Seattle Seahawks
Joe Staley LT (SF) – Let’s stay with the offensive tackle position, this Joe is connected to the first Joe above. Both of these mammoths were drafted in the same year (2007) and round (1st), Thomas-3rd overall and Staley-28th overall. The 33 year old 49er has been the blind side protection for 10 years also. He has missed only 17 games throughout his career, displaying good durability. He isn’t as awarded or accomplished as his Joe brethren, but he is one of the better Left tackles in the league. He has protected Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert, and Brian Hoyer. Similar to Thomas his Quarterback list is putrid as well!! On the other hand, he has seen post season success with a 5-3 record and Super Bowl visit. He is on a team that is rebuilding and should be on a team in win now mode. He’s good in pass protection and physical in the run game as well. He has enough athleticism to get out in screen passes. This dancing bear deserves better than being 0-6 going into week 7 of the season. Team Fits: Carolina Panthers
Phillip Rivers QB (LAC) – The 13 year Charger Quarterback is most known for the infamous draft trade involving him and Giants QB Eli Manning, where both players were swapped after being drafted. He is also known for his Bolo ties and being a fiery gunslinger. Rivers amassed over 45,000 yards passing and 323 touchdowns, those are Hall of Fame numbers. The only issue with the fiery competitor is, he does not have much success in his career. In his first four year as a starter Rivers had a record of 46-18, which is a great way to start a career. Over the next eight seasons his record is 52-65 with a 1-4 start this season. He has won only six more games over eight years than his first four years as the starter, crazy right? I know. The 35 year old QB has two years left on his deal before he can be released without a huge cap hit. By trading him to a contending team in needs of a capable quarterback, both teams are in a win-win situation. Chargers can get proper compensation in draft picks and plan for the future, while the trade partner gets their quarterback. He needs a chance to redeem and rectify that 4-5 playoff record. Team Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
Larry Fitzgerald WR (ARI) – Are you the least bit surprised with this selection? I didn’t think so, we all know he would have to be on this list. The Cardinals star receiver has a nice spot reserved in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has been one of the most durable players in the league. He has missed only 2 games in his 14 year career. The fascinating aspect of his career is the best quarterback he’s played with was a nearly 40 year old Kurt Warner. Fitz has probably the best hands in the business active and retired, he rarely drops passes. He has 9 career playoff games and is the best post season receiver I have seen, he has been to the Super Bowl once. He is 7th on the All-time receiving yards & 8th on the receiving touchdowns list. That is elite and rare company, especially considering he has dealt with a porous crop of signal callers. The 34 year old pass catcher deserves another shot at immortality with a Super Bowl ring. Can the addition of Adrian Peterson save their season? Uh NO!!! It may get interesting a little, but that’s about it. Team Fit: New England Patriots
Ladarius Webb FS (BAL) – The former corner back is not the best of the best, but he is a capable player. He has years of experience in various coverage and defensive schemes. He could be an option for a team that needs better play from their free safety position. Even at the age of 32, Webb still offers a veteran presence and championship pedigree. He is still capable of making plays in man coverage and as a high safety. Logging 15 interceptions and 90 Pass break ups over his 9 year career, is a direct correlation of his abilities. He may not be as fast or athletic as he was in his spring years, but he can come in and be a difference maker on defense. He plays with heart, energy, and effort. Webb could be a decent boost to an already solid defense. Team Fit: Kansas City Chiefs