Trades that could shake up the NFL in 2017
On Monday, the Sacramento Kings shook up the sporting world by trading All-Star center/power forward DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for shooting guard Buddy Hield, small forward Tyreke Evans, point guard Langston Galloway, and a 2017 first and second rounder. Inspired by such a crazy trade, here are some potentially blockbuster trades that we could see this off-season in the NFL.
Tony Romo to Houston for Jadeveon Clowney
It seems like a forgone conclusion that Romo won’t be staying in Dallas, so what better way to usher him out the door than by trading him for a young, rising pass rusher? The Cowboys desperately need pass rushers, something that owner Jerry Jones has identified as a priority for this off-season. Houston are arguably just a quarterback away from truly contending in the AFC after sub-par play from $72 million man Brock Osweiler. J.J. Watt is set to return from back surgery, and while Clowney forms a potent combination with Watt, the latter is also more valuable to the Texans. Clowney has had his own injury struggles, and could be a more effective bargaining chip.
Josh Gordon to Cincinnati for A.J. McCarron
This all depends on Gordon being reinstated after substance policy violations and failed drug tests, but could be a good fit for both teams. The Browns need a quarterback, and head coach Hue Jackson mentored McCarron in Cincinnati. The Bengals struggled without both Mohammad Sanu and Marvin Jones lining up alongside A.J. Green, and need some legitimate secondary targets for quarterback Andy Dalton. With Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman likely returning, Gordon is expendable in Cleveland, especially after his off-field issues. The Bengals also have no qualms about taking on players with troubled history (Adam Jones, Vontaze Burfict), so Gordon could be a good fit.
Sheldon Richardson to Detroit for Eric Ebron
Richardson has caused issues in New York, and has reportedly been on the trade block a few times. Ebron has disappointed so far in Detroit, and the Lions could easily find a replacement in a deep draft for tight ends. The Jets are in dire need of targets, and Ebron would be a big target for whoever is under centre. Detroit had the second least sacks in the league last season and need pass rushers. Richardson would easily become their best rusher, provided he doesn’t have any more issues.
Jonathan Stewart to the Giants for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Yes, Cromartie is the Giants’ best defensive back, but he is also 30 years old and the Giants have younger players ready to take over. New York could find another good corner or two in a deep draft. With Stewart’s injury history, the Panthers could look for a younger runner in the Draft. Stewart could be the missing piece for a Giants offense that has struggled on the ground for years. The Panthers need talent in the secondary after the departure of Josh Norman last off-season and are only a year away from going to the Super Bowl.
Brandin Cooks to the Rams for Michael Brockers
With the Rams switching to a 3–4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Brockers could get pushed out at defensive tackle with superstar Aaron Donald firmly entrenched. The Rams desperately need top tier receivers for young quarterback Jared Goff. Cook fits the bill, and has at times been vocal about being frustrated with his role in New Orleans. With the emergence of rookie Michael Thomas last season, Cooks could be expendable, especially because the Saints desperately need playmakers on defense. Brockers could be an upgrade on Nick Fairley if the latter signs elsewhere.
