Red Zone Trade Value - Part Two
by adelfish | 7 years ago | 0 Comments
Red Zone Trade Value - Part Two
PART ONE HERE - https://www.daddyleagues.com/redzone/blog/news/23723/Red-Zone-Trade-Value---Part-One
GROUP J - Someone Talk Me Out of This...NOW!!
34. Devyn Rice (LB - Colts)
Why is this group titled the way it is? Because you need to talk me out of thinking that maybe these guys are severely overrated by THEIR team. Devyn Rice in the final year of his contract has been a productive player for the Colts, but isn’t in that tier of linebackers where you think ‘Holy crap this guy is a must have’, but man he is a good player. He averages 5 generated turnovers a year, has scored defensive touchdowns almost every year of his career, and is one of the most athletic at the position. Reminds me of Ryan Shazier in his prime. Would you trade the farm for a 26 year old linebacker in a league that has shown superstars aren’t that elusive in the draft? Regardless of what the other 31 think, I think the Colts sleep well at night with Rice on roster.
33. Ryan Wang (QB - Rams)
Only a few years into his young career, Ryan Wang hasn’t shown us exactly who he is yet. Is he the youngster from his rookie year that reminded us all of Alex Smith levels of efficiency, or is he a one-year wonder trapped in a system that is too conservative for his talents? Or is he not good? I’m sure we all get the answers to those questions in the next few seasons, but for the time being I’m not so sure. I know the Rams hang the phone up if anyone comes calling about Ryan wearing a new jersey, but will they regret that?
32. Luke Kuechly (LB - Bills)
Luke Kuechly has been a staple of two defenses the last half decade, leading the Panthers and Bills in more than one way. He averages 7 interceptions (!!) a season, 2.5 forced fumbles, and scores a touchdown every year. The Bills have struggled in recent memory, since the rise of the Dolphins, and the sudden competence of the Patriots, and a lack of ability to compete with the big dog in the AFC (Baltimore). Luke Kuechly is likely on his last legs, and doesn’t seem to fit with the current outlook of Buffalo, but will this front office admit it’s time for a change? Regardless of the outcome, Kuechly is arguably the most important 34 year old we’ve seen in years.
31. Curtis Pearson (QB - Steelers)
Another example of a quarterback who flashed early, and has reverted to becoming an average starter. Curtis Pearson was brilliant in his rookie season, leading the Steelers deep into postseason play. Sure, changes at the head coach spot play a factor here, but we’ve seen other quarterbacks transcend this kind of turmoil. Call me crazy, but I think the new front office will realize the former’s mistakes, and try to capitalize on a league that is always desperate for decent quarterback play.
GROUP I - Nope, Trades Will Haunt
30. Marquise Haynes (WR - Browns)
Anyone else besides me know that Marquise Haynes has posted two 1000 yard seasons back to back, with 7 touchdowns each? No? Just me? Haynes is an elite talent, probably a top 10 fastest guy in the open field in the league, and he has been subject to mediocre Browns seasons year by year. It’s like Todd Gurley waking up every morning remembering that Jeff Fisher was his head coach and that he could start planning his annual January fishing trip. Haynes is an elite talent that would demand a haul on the open market, but Cleveland knows they have a superstar in their grasp - they won’t let him go that easy.
29. J.J. Watt (DE - Texans)
The level of patience that J.J. Watt has entitled to the Texans is impressive. Like Joe Thomas (not to that exact extent), Watt has put forth elite after elite season for the Texans, only to be subjected to lousy offseason work, and even worse on-field work. Watt has never spoke up, never requested to get out of dodge, but boy if he heard on Twitter that his time in Houston was over, I think you’d see a rejuvenated player. At the age of 35, Watt’s time in the league is likely ending soon, and will likely retire a Texan - but if Houston receives a farm-like offer for a 1 year rental, do they say no? I think so, watching Watt strip-sack Eric Haskins in the AFC Championship Game to propel the Jets is a worst-nightmare scenario.
28. Roman Skinner (LB - Cowboys)
Staying in Texas for this one, Roman Skinner has stuck around in Dallas for a few winless seasons, and has yet to complain. Skinner is one of the best defensive prospects to come around in years, and has been subjected to a front office that is content with mediocrity. You ever wonder if Skinner has considered hanging the cleats up at 28 years old and considering a career in real estate? I think he has, but I think the Cowboys do anything to make him happy and retain his services until he at least hits 30. Skinner could be the focal point of a championship defense, but I’m afraid the price tag for Dallas exceeds that of draft assets. Skinner is doomed to Dallas.
27. Kristian Bitonio (LB - Packers)
He was just handed a massive extension this offseason, so don’t even factor the dollars into this ranking. The Packers peaked last season at 8-8 and missing the playoffs due to no fault of their own in Week 17, but it seems as though their ceiling has been realized. Bitonio is the focal point of the defense, and has stolen the reins from Clay Matthews and defenders of Lambeau past. The Packers have him on game programs, season tickets, and even the local Sheboygan Sausage commercials - he isn’t going anywhere.
GROUP H - This is Complete Absurdity….Go On
26. Patrick Mahomes (QB - Chiefs)
Mahomes still has a cannon, and get this - he is only TWENTY EIGHT years old! Mahomes likely has 5 more years of play ahead of him, but is the Chiefs where he will play them? A few factors play into this, and money is at the forefront. The Chiefs simply cannot afford to trade him….or could they? If the Chiefs are blown away by an offer, I think they can talk themselves into taking the cap hit to free themselves of a quarterback who has had a complete rollercoaster of a career. The upside to Mahomes is so tantalizing though, I think someday he moves on.
25. Tavin Law (DT - Rams)
The free agency prize to end all, Tavin Law teamed up with Aaron Donald to create one of the most fearsome duos we’ve ever seen on a defensive line, and it hasn’t led to much. The Rams always compete, but they haven’t been able to translate that to January and February success. Tavin Law is not the problem, and fans would riot in the street of Los Angeles if he was moved for nothing short of a dump truck of picks, but there are some tempting thoughts to moving him. Freeing up that salary that he has could lead to adding a few more players, and the draft haul in return would be enough to rebuild at key areas. Who am I kidding, this ain't happening.
24. Jatashun Knox (WR - Ravens)
If I told you that I was offering you a player in a trade that has NEVER posted less than double digit touchdowns, or less than 1000 yards, how quickly would you throw me two draft choices and a player to be named later? Immediately right? What if I told you that the team offering you this was perennial AFC juggernaut, Baltimore? Then you might change your tune. Baltimore has no reason to trade Knox, and has had the luxury of a top 5 receiver talent at 5th round salary - but this organization has shown us that they build through the draft and free agency among the elite, so they COULD find a Knox replacement. Desperate teams make desperate moves, and Baltimore could find a team to tango with if they wanted to.
GROUP G - You Think I’m Trading a Rookie Contract???
23. Dixon Spencer (WR - Packers)
Rookie of the year Dixon Spencer propelled the Packers offense to relevancy for the first time in years, and is clearly the future at the position for them. Green Bay showed that they could win with Houston Archambeau and a high powered pass attack, but basically having nothing to compliment this in the rush game, or on defense. Dixon Spencer will be a cheap asset for the Pack for the next few years, and will likely spend those years in mediocrity. The most valuable assets in football are star rookies on cheap deals. Green Bay would scoff, but could you imagine the return?
22. Brenden Jeffries (QB - Patriots)
Would you pay top dollar for a 4000+ yard, 20+ TD guy? Heck yes you would. Would you pay just 1 million for him? Stupid question. The Patriots struck gold in Round 2 when they found Jeffries, and he has been the savior the franchise needed, bringing them to the playoffs last year, and competing in the ultra-tough AFC East. Jeffries is due a monster extension, and it will likely (99.9%) come from New England - but as the theme of this article has shown, teams desperate for a quarterback show desperation on their sleeve. How much will New England say no to?
21. Mitchell Layow (QB - Seahawks)
See #22, Jeffries, Brenden. But then take that 2nd round and change it to the 3rd, and take that expiring contract and extend it another year. The Seahawks have a star quarterback on roster for the next two years for peanuts, and have the luxury of spending big money in free agency to build around him. Layow is by all means untouchable, but is he the next Eric Haskins or Chase Hillman? This league is always about improving and taking the next step - if the right offer presents itself, Seattle could think twice, even for a second.
20. Morgan Foster (CB - Bills)
The luxury of Morgan Foster afforded the Bills the luxury of trading superstar Tre’Davious White, as Foster was worth the top 10 selection a few years ago. Although he is on a 1st round rookie contract, he is still making next to nothing of what his next extension will warrant him. We have seen in the past when teams decide to dump a superstar to avoid a huge dollar commitment, but for a guy who has 11 interceptions in two years, you gotta think Buffalo is willing to propose to this beautiful beau….right?