The NFL trade deadline is approaching and while this date is not as dramatic or crazy as it is for Major League Baseball, this season has been an aberration with Trent Richardson and Eugene Monroe already being dealt, leading many to think that big names like Hakeem Nicks, Tony Gonzalez or Maurice Jones-Drew could be traded.
The Jaguars and Giants are both currently winless and while that could change over the next couple weeks, that won't stop the rumor mill from running and two interesting trades proposed by SI.com are for Hakeem Nicks to the Atlanta Falcons and Maurice Jones-Drew to the Miami Dolphins. The two trades are justified in thinking by the fact that the Dolphins are a terrible rushing team and that the Atlanta Falcons are dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position, as Julio Jones is out for the year and Roddy White is dealing with a bum ankle
The Dolphins have gotten nothing from the running back position this season and the team has now lost two straight games while averaging less than 70 yards rushing per game. The team is ranked 29th in the league in rushing yards per game and Lamar Miller has been a disappointment with just 211 yards and two touchdowns, while Daniel Thomas has just 71 yards on 27 carries. While Jones-Drew is an older back, he could provide a nice spark for the Dolphins, who have not had a 100-yard game this season and the most Miller has had in a single game is 69 yards.
Drew hasn't been fully healthy over the past couple years, but he has rushed for 279 yards this season and is coming off his best game of the year with 71 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos. With a better offensive line and a team that can move the ball better, Miami could be a nice fit for him and with a salary of $4.95 million, it isn't too expensive for the Dolphins, who are coming into this week as the 31st ranked team in carries according to SI.com.
Drew has been facing eight man boxes all season and he could open things up for a young star like Ryan Tannehill in the offense. The Dolphins came into the season with high expectations and started off 3-0 before losing their last two. The team likely would only have to give up picks to get him and heading into the second part of the season, the team needs to shape up on offense with games against the New England Patriots and Bengals coming up.
The Dolphins have the chance to make the playoffs, but they need to be much more consistent on offense and Drew could help with that. The team has two divisional games out of the bye with Buffalo and the Patriots and after the Bengals they will travel for a Monday night game against the Buccaneers before hosting the Chargers and the Carolina Panthers. The end of the season has four division games in five weeks and even if they fall back, the team has a chance to get back into things with the Patriots, Bills and Jets to end the season.