The NFL trade deadline is getting closer with the date coming next Tuesday and while the flurry of moves is not usually like Major League Baseball, after Trent Richardson got dealt anything can happen and some interesting proposed trades includes for running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who could be a fit with the New England Patriots or Buccaneers.
The Jaguars have said they are not actively shopping Jones-Drew, but based on his contract and the team performance this season and the fact that Eugene Monroe already got dealt, it would not be a surprise to see him moved to another team. ESPN.com writer Greg Garber put together some "explosive" and interesting trade ideas that could go down but probably won't and that is where the idea came from for the Patriots deal. Garber writes that the Pats could have Drew for a low pick like a fifth or sixth round draft choice and that it would be a smart option for the team after they have had an inconsistent rushing attack this year.
Last season the team had a top 10 rushing attack along with their passing game and Stevan Ridley had a great season, but he has been banged up and with Shane Vereen out until Week 11 at least, the team has been relying on Ridley, Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount and is hasn't been too great, averaging just 116 yards per game. The team could use Jones-Drew as a jolt to the rushing attack and since he is getting paid less than $5 million in the final year of his contract that he signed with the Jaguars, the move wouldn't hurt too much for the cap.
Jones-Drew is not the back he once was, but if he is part of a nice stable of players for the Patriots, he could have a more productive time in the Patriots offense. With the Jaguars he is one of their only playmakers and often faces eight man fronts and it wouldn't be the first time the team brought in a former Jags running back, as they also had Fred Taylor once and Bill Belichick has been able to make the most out of veteran players in names like Randy Moss and Corey Dillon over the years.
General manager David Caldwell will be looking for picks and the Patriots have enough to spare and they could make a deal that is good for both sides. This season Jones-Drew has 316 yards with two touchdowns on just over 100 carries with 10 receptions and he is coming off of a 37-yard game against the Chargers. The team is playing in London this week against the 49ers so that could make for some problems, but he has a good matchup despite the solid D, as the Niners are giving up over 100 yards to RBs in four of the last six weeks and he could have a big day if the wideouts are still banged up.
Jones-Drew had his best game of the season a couple weeks ago and had over 140 yards in the previous two games before the Chargers loss, which was about half his season total. The Jaguars are going nowhere fast and while it might not be a great deal, the team also could look to teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Rams, who have also been dealing with running back issues and they could fit for deals as well.