The NFL offseason is moving towards training camp and with trade deals are rare this time of year, NFL.com put together a list of names that could move this summer and names like Christian Ponder, Ryan Mallett, Kirk Cousins, Mike Wallace, Danny Amendola, LaMichael James, Dion Jordan, Denarius Moore or Andre Johnson could be on the move and teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns could be interested in trading.
The NFL doesn't usually have trades going down this late, but there have been some injuries popping up over the summer and if those continue, teams could be more willing to make deals. The quarterback position is always interesting and teams could be angling for some backups, including Mallett, Ponder or Cousins. The Cleveland Browns tried to trade for Cousins during the draft, but that was denied and obviously they now have Johnny Manziel and do not need to make a deal.
Teams like the Patriots and Vikings appeared to be willing to trade Ponder and Mallett, but reports say the clubs want to keep their veteran backups rather than throw rookies right into it. Teddy Bridgewater was taken by the Vikings and has impressed so far in workouts, while Jimmy Garoppolo still has work to do for Bill Belichick to overtake Ryan Mallett as the backup for Tom Brady. Everyone thought the Texans could go after a QB here, but the team is sticking with Ryan Fitzpatrick and they actually traded away a backup in TJ Yates.
Andre Johnson is a name to keep an eye on, as he has stayed away from Texans offseason activities and could get traded if he continues to hold out. According to ESPN.com, Johnson said to the media he is frustrated in Houston and while he did not demand a trade, one could be coming on the horizon. Teams like the Browns, Patriots and Raiders all could be in the mix for a deal, as the Texans have plenty of needs after going 2-14 last season. Johnson had over 100 catches and 1400 yards again and he would be attractive to a number of clubs.
The Patriots also shopped Danny Amendola during the offseason, but no deal was made, while the Dolphins have put Dion Jordan and Mike Wallace out there at various times. New GM Dennis Hickey could look at trades now or into next season, as both Wallace and Jordan did not play to their potential last year. The Dolphins need more consistency from Wallace and after drafting Jarvis Landry his days could be numbered. LaMichael James was also shopped by the 49ers and they did not find a trade partner and this comes after the team drafted Carlos Hyde.
Trades are rare at this point in the NFL offseason, but with injuries on the rise and teams looking for an edge, one of these deals could happen before the season opens. The Texans are the team to watch, as they love Johnson and want to keep him, but his staying away from the team could force their hand and make Bill O'Brien make a very tough decision for his team.
