The trade deadline for the NFL never brings much excitement. Coming in just over a week, very few teams traditionally make moves in the middle of the season in order to not mess up the team chemistry. However, this year could be different as the Chicago Bears have already set the tone by dealing away Jon Baustic and Jared Allen. With big names hitting the surface in the rumor talk, could the deadline see more action than normal?
Jared Cook is a name that continues to surface in discussions regarding trades. The tight end is playing for the struggling St. Louis Rams who could opt to deal him as his value in the league remains high. However, head coach Jeff Fisher has no plans of allowing that to happen right now. He did confirm that teams have called about Cook, but the Rams are not dealing.
"We take calls all the time. People call. People have injuries. People have interest. That happens all of the time. I have no interest in trading Jared. He's a big part of our offense. I don't know where that originated from or came from. I clearly wasnât aware of it," Fisher said, via the team's official website. "Jared is fine. He's a big part of this. Those kind of things happen. People call."
Cook's season has been inconsistent just like the Rams have been in general. He has 15 catches for 169 yards right now. With Lance Kendricks on the rise, it would make sense for St. Louis to deal him, but Fisher remains confident that Cook is a big part of the team moving forward.
The San Francisco 49ers are another team with a veteran tight end with a lot of value. Vernon Davis has an expiring contract to his name while his time on the field continues to shrink. With Garrett Celek now getting the start, the veteran is spending more time on the sidelines than ever before. The tight end market is hot right now and the 49ers could capitalize. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that no deal is expected as Davis' continues to have injury issues and low numbers.
What is Cordarrelle Patterson's status with Minnesota? Teams in need of a wide receiver could take a look at the Minnesota Vikings' one-time star. Patterson has the talent, but he has yet to put it all together. Now he is replaced by Stefon Diggs who is the future with the team. Head coach Mike Zimmer has remained committed to Patterson, but the Pioneer Press is reporting that if offered something, the Vikings could deal Patterson away. The same could be said for Jeremy Kerley with the New York Jets who has simply dropped off the map for the team. Meanwhile the Atlanta Falcons have made it clear via the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Roddy White is not available.
Several teams could use offensive help. The New York Jets need a tight end or receiver. The Atlanta Falcons could eye a tight end. The Green Bay Packers are getting hit with injuries. The Baltimore Ravens have a depleted receiving unit. Names like Cook, Davis, Patterson and Kerley carry some weight and might be worth taking a gamble on.
