The NFL trade market could heat up heading into training camp, as names like LaMichael James or Mark Ingram could be traded before the season and teams like the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings or Cleveland Browns could be in the mix, as all of those teams could use a boost in the rushing game.
James has been on the block all offseason, while Ingram did not have his fifth year option picked up. The Saints have Pierre Thomas and they could deal with losing Ingram, but it's more likely they keep him. James could be a perfect option in the Broncos offense and could take over as the receiver in the backfield for Knowshon Moreno.
The Saints may not want to trade Ingram since they already dealt Darren Sproles this offseason, but the team loves what they have in Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson and it was likely that Ingram would be the third back on the depth chart anyway after the team did not pick up his fifth year option. Ingram has dealt with injuries over his career with the Saints and he has amassed over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns during his career and while his production overall has not been great, last season he made big strides and had a career day against the Cowboys and also finished the season with nearly 250 yards over the last quarter of the schedule.
Ingram is a polished runner and he could bring some experience to the team, while James could be an explosive option out of the backfield. James has not been able to get onto the field for the Niners behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and now with Carlos Hyde coming in, he likely will not be active for most games if he remains in the Bay Area. James would likely not cost much for the Broncos and he could contribute on special teams as well. The team is hoping that Latimer and Roby can step it up this season as they try to make another Super Bowl run in 2014.
The Broncos are happy with Montee Ball taking over the starting job in just his second season, but they need some more depth at the position and more veterans, as four of the five players on the roster are rookies with Ronnie Hillman as the only vet. The team may not want to give up much in deals, but SI.com reports that if the Saints or 49ers are looking to trade Ingram or James, the Broncos would be wise to pick one of them up. The report cites the experience factor as well as the fact that Manning is getting older and could use just a bit more production from the rushing game to help play off the pass.
The 49ers love to stock up on draft picks and they could take a mid to late round pick in next year's draft for James if the Eagles want to pull off a deal. While trading Brown makes it seem that the Eagles will not be looking to add another running back, James and Brown are very different players and Kelly may not see Brown as a player that fits his offense, much like DeSean Jackson and the way he played last season proves that. Brown had just 878 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons with the team and while James has put up far less than that, he is more explosive, a better pass catcher and he also can return kicks and punts and that could be where he shows his value.
The Eagles are spoiled on offense and they showed that with the picks of Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff in the draft. The team lost Jackson and brought back Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin and now they add even more weapons, as Matthews was one of the most productive receivers in the SEC last season. Matthews had over 110 catches and 1,477 yards with seven touchdowns and this came as defenses knew that Vanderbilt was throwing his way since he was their best player. Huff played for Kelly art Oregon and that is a scary thought and he comes out after making 62 catches last season for 1140 yards and 12 touchdowns.
