OFFSEASON TRADES will be necessary

[MHS831]

Assuming the need for players at other positions where we have quality backups, I can't help but thing a new coach might want to spread the wealth a bit, trading quality players where we are stacked with talent for players where we are starved for talent. If so, the following players could find themselves on the block:

1. DeAngelo Williams: Tag him and trade him. We have Sutton, Goodson, Stewart who are quality RBs as well. One of the traits of successful teams is the ability to know when to hold em, and fold em. Williams has not finished a season in the past 2 years. He was worked to death at Memphis. RBs don't usually last past age 30. He is 28. Has some value. Could he bring in a solid DT? If so, do it. If not, you have 4 solid RBs. Do not, however, sign him to a second contract. I imagine we would get a 2nd or 3rd rounder in the draft for him, but we probably need a veteran.

2. Dan Connor: Unless we go 3-4, he is a 2-down MLB playing behind a 3-down MLB who rarely gets hurt. He is still young and displayed some talent in the time he played before his hip injury. Would a team who needs veteran help up the middle offer a player for him, such as a CB or DT? If so, send him packing. Jamar Williams can play MLB in a reserve role. I am guessing he would bring a 3rd rounder if you wanted a pick instead.

3. Jimmy Clausen. If we draft Luck-- I would keep him for depth for a year, but a team with a desperate need might think Clausen is a product of the circumstances and could offer a deal you could not afford to pass on. I don't think he would bring anything right now, and to trade him (assuming we draft Luck) before the season starts is silly unless you bring in a veteran backup. But QBs are in demand in this league, and he will have a season of experience.

4. Steve Smith. One has to think that he does not see himself being here by the time the ship is turned around, and he wants to win. He has some value left, but needs to be somewhere where he can play the slot. I think a team who wants to win now would offer a quality player for him. I am not sure this would be wise for us right now, but if Smith starts pushing for a trade, the distraction would be profound. I for one think the WR corps will be much better when we get a better OL and QB, however, Lafell and Gettis rarely see the best CB or get over/under coverage.

5. Chris Gamble. He is getting old for a CB and doesn't like to tackle. He has quietly become one of the better CBs in the NFL. This gives him value. If we need a different type of CB to match the coverage required by the new defensive Coordinator, then we could trade Gamble for some magic beans. We are high on McClain and Munnerlyn and the draft seems deep at CB. Besides, the DEs are maturing and emphasis on stud DTs will create more pressure in the backfield.

Obviously, I am throwing these out as possible ways to fill need spots with veterans while minimizing the impact of the loss. Many will disagree with this, but to get value you have to give up value. These are five areas where I would not be surprised to see a big trade go down.

Re-sign the following players (prioritized list)

1t. Charles Johnson

1t. Ryan Kalil

3. James Anderson

4. Thomas Davis

5. Deangelo Williams

Needs (Prioritized list)

1. Starting (Franchise) QB

2. Starting DT

3. Starting DT

4. Starting CB

5. Starting RG

6. Starting TE (blocking and a pass receiving threat)

7. OT (depth)

8. C (depth)

9. WR (a true #1 will be needed very soon)

10. K (how long can Kasay continue? Will the new coach give 2 roster spots for kicking duties? I would not)

We can't re-sign our key free agents and fill our needs by signing UFAs and drafting players. We will get 1 starter out of the draft with no second rounders. We will have to make more trades than ever before if we want to fill these needs by next fall.

Too much free time for the moment, and I spend my free time lately playing Panther GM. Have at it.

[DaCityKats]

4 and 5 would be dumb.both are our number 1s at their position plus if we trade gamble we will have captain and robert mcclain starting. also lafell and gettis starting so im going to say no to 4 and 5.

[OneBadassCat]

Trading Smith should never be an option. It's amazing how quickly fans will turn on a guy who has been our saving grace for the past decade. Not saying that's what you're doing but a lot of people are.

I could see tagging and trading Williams but I don't want to trade Conner unless a team offers something substantial. We're going to have the best LB in the game next season if we keep all of our guys.

[D34Williams]

Why dont we just trade away EVERY playmaker. What a great idea.

I think trades would be a big deal too, but this is a little overboard. That's almost like starting this team completely from scratch if you do all of that.

[iamcline]

Forgive me for disagreeing with #5...but he is one of the better tackling defensive backs in the league. He's a textbook tackler at his position. His problem is when it comes to stopping the run he is sometimes out of position.

[MHS831]

Why dont we just trade away EVERY playmaker. What a great idea.

I think trades would be a big deal too, but this is a little overboard. That's almost like starting this team completely from scratch if you do all of that.

Here is a great idea: Hooked on phonics. The passage suggests that there are areas where a new coach might look to trade. It mentions to get value you need to trade value. These "playmakers" are on our roster now. Our 1-11 roster. It never suggests trading all 5. It states that there could be a move to trade value to get value.

As far as Smith goes, he may want out. He has value and he will be 32. The most successful teams do not hold onto players too long. If we trade Smith, he needs to be Replaced.

[SOJA]

meh, I could see us trading away either 1. One of running backs not named deangelo (I'm predicting we re-sign him) 2. Gamble 3. Smitty

I'd say there is a 50% chance for 1.

15% chance for 2.

1% chance for three (only if Smitty became incredibly demanding in forcing a trade, which I doubt he would do)

[MHS831]

Forgive me for disagreeing with #5...but he is one of the better tackling defensive backs in the league. He's a textbook tackler at his position. His problem is when it comes to stopping the run he is sometimes out of position.

I have not seen that side, but I respect your opinion. We can agree that he is getting up there in years.

[YourMomsLover]

Id say just totally scrap the O-Line, and D-Line.

[MHS831]

meh, I could see us trading away either 1. One of running backs not named deangelo (I'm predicting we re-sign him) 2. Gamble 3. Smitty

I'd say there is a 50% chance for 1.

15% chance for 2.

1% chance for three (only if Smitty became incredibly demanding in forcing a trade, which I doubt he would do)

I think there is a higher probability for 1 of the trades, simply because we have to do something to meet needs. However, I agree that the liklihood of making more that 1 of these moves is small.

[Kakarot]

Okay with everything except #4 and #5.

[iamcline]

I have not seen that side, but I respect your opinion. We can agree that he is getting up there in years.

He's definitely at the peak of his prime, but he can definitely extend his longevity like Ronde Barber...perhaps not on that same great level, but if he takes care of himself he'll be fine.

[kdrh5]

We dont NEED to trade any of these players if this organization simply spends wisely in free agency and is able to land Luck and a good HC.

[Panthercougar68]

We dont NEED to trade any of these players if this organization simply spends wisely in free agency and is able to land Luck and a good HC.

This.