The NFL draft is coming on Thursday and that has sparked trade rumors about a number of players that could get traded, including Kirk Cousins, Mark Ingram, LaMichael James, Ryan Mallett, Evan Mathis, Ryan Nassib, Mike Wallace and Christian Ponder and some teams that could be interested include the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.
Cousins, Mallett and Ponder have all been mentioned as potential trade chips heading into the draft, but so far there has not been much heat on any of those deals. According to ESPN.com, Cousins said earlier in the offseason that he was open to being traded and while the Redskins did not pull the trigger, they could look for a deal since they don't have a first round pick and could look to add some more to their arsenal on draft day. The team signed Colt McCoy in the offseason, meaning they at least have a secondary option as a backup over Cousins.
The Redskins have some options they could look at and while Cousins has not played much in the league, he has starting experience and has had some success in the limited time he has seen on the field. Mallett was mentioned on SI.com as one player that could be moved this offseason, as he is coming into the final year of his contract and while Bill Belichick has liked what Mallett has done as Tom Brady's backup, the team is not going to invest more money in him and it's likely they will draft a replacement this year in the May event. Mallett could net a mid-round pick and that would be worth it for the team based on where they drafted him.
Cousins, Ponder or Mallett could be options for the Browns if they decide to pass on one of the top quarterbacks, as Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel could be in the mix for them at number four. The team may opt to pick someone like Sammy Watkins instead and then they could look to make a deal, as they have a number of extra draft picks after making the Trent Richardson deal and other trades last year.
LaMichael James and Mark Ingram have come up as running backs that could move and the Broncos or Patriots could be looking to make a deal at some point. James has not played much over the past two seasons for the 49ers behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter, but he has blazing speed and could be a great return option for the Bears after they lost Devin Hester. Ingram has come up in trade rumors since the Saints did not pick up his first year option. Ingram had some solid games last year, but he missed five games with a toe injury and ended up with 1,462 yards with 11 touchdowns in 37 regular-season games with the Saints and now he could be on his way out.
Mike Wallace and Evan Mathis have come up in trade rumors this offseason as well, but so far no deals have been rumored as getting close to happening. Depending on who the Eagles and Dolphins draft on draft day, it could change.
