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Browns WR Braylon Edwards
Summary: Unable to find an adequate replacement for the departed Plaxico Burress, the Giants are strongly considering Edwards as a replacement. With a veteran team primed for another Super Bowl run, it's understandable why the Giants would want a proven commodity at the position rather than taking their chances in the draft. The 6-foot-3 Edwards also excels at outmaneuvering smaller cornerbacks for catches a la Burress.
However, there is a reason the Browns are entertaining offers for Edwards. He is coming off a greatly-disappointing 2008 campaign. No wideout with elite skills catches the football as awkwardly, which helps account for his excessive number of drops. Edwards' contract is another issue. His rookie deal expires after this season and Edwards could be seeking an extension averaging a Larry Fitzgerald-like $10 million annually. Edwards, though, may not have much leverage in this regard. Because of a pending change in the NFL's labor agreement, Edwards would only be a restricted free agent in the 2010 offseason.
Likely compensation: A first- and mid-round pick (New York holds the No. 29 overall selection). Even though Cleveland desperately needs a pass rusher, the Giants seem unlikely to deal Mathias Kiwanuka. Cleveland, though, could push for one of New York's wideouts like Domenik Hixon to augment their depleted receiver corps.
Trade odds: Very good. This deal may hinge upon whether Cleveland can land an Edwards replacement like Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree with the No. 5 overall pick.
Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Summary: The tension between Boldin and Cardinals management has come to a head. The Cardinals now say they are actively listening to trade offers for Boldin, who is unhappy with his contract situation.
Likely compensation: A first- and mid-round pick. Boldin is a more consistent player than Edwards, but is also 2½ years older. Boldin, who turns 29 in October, also has missed an entire season's worth of games with injuries since 2004.
Trade odds: Very good. Even a team with such stubborn, frugal management can see that keeping a player as disgruntled as Boldin could disrupt locker-room chemistry. Baltimore, which has expressed interest, would be an ideal fit. The Ravens need to give quarterback Joe Flacco some better receiving help than 35-year-old Derrick Mason and ho-hum starter Mark Clayton. The Giants, Philadelphia and New York Jets are other possibilities.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez
Summary: Gonzalez has said he isn't actively pushing Chiefs management for a trade, but his actions last weekend spoke volumes. Gonzalez and left guard Brian Waters (see below) both skipped the first volunteer minicamp under new head coach Todd Haley.
Gonzalez has never won a playoff game during his 12 NFL seasons in Kansas City and may not have the chance again on a rebuilding Chiefs squad. Haley and new general manager Scott Pioli are trying to change the culture in Kansas City. Gonzalez's absence is undermining those efforts.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. Gonzalez continued to produce at a high level in 2008 on an awful team. Gonzalez, though, is 33 years old and has said he is approaching whether to continue playing each season on a year-by-year basis.
Trade odds: Very good. Atlanta is mulling whether to make a trade offer. Gonzalez would provide veteran leadership and give second-year quarterback Matt Ryan a Hall of Fame-caliber receiving target. Gonzalez, though, may not be an ideal fit considering Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey usually doesn't showcase the tight end in his passing attack.
Bengals wide receiver Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson
Summary: Unlike last offseason, Johnson isn't making a spectacle of himself in hopes of getting traded. But the fact Johnson is forsaking $250,000 by not reporting to Cincinnati's offseason program is telling.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. The Bengals made a huge error last April by not accepting Washington's reported offer of two first-round choices. Johnson's production plummeted as he struggled with injuries. Conduct remains an issue (Johnson was sent home before a game at Pittsburgh for arriving late to a team meeting). Johnson also turned 31 in January.
Trade odds: Fair. Bengals owner/general manager Mike Brown will ultimately decide whether to stick coach Marvin Lewis with Johnson for another season. Oakland is the most intriguing destination point. The Raiders didn't have a wideout with more than 22 receptions last season. Oakland owner Al Davis also doesn't mind taking on talented-but-temperamental players.
Browns quarterback Brady Quinn
Summary: The player once considered Cleveland's "quarterback of the future" may not have one under new Browns coach Eric Mangini. There is rampant media speculation that Quinn is on the block for the right price. Rather than name a starter from the get-go, Mangini has opened up his quarterback competition between Quinn and incumbent Derek Anderson. The Browns also may have their eye on Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez with the No. 5 overall pick.
Likely compensation: A first-round pick. The Browns might not be able to command much more for a player with only three starts in two NFL seasons.
Trade odds: Fair. The Jets have a glaring need at quarterback and the Redskins could still be looking to replace Jason Campbell after being unable to acquire Jay Cutler from Denver. Remember, though, that 21 other teams passed on Quinn before the previous Browns regime selected him in 2007.
Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers
Summary: Peppers has requested a trade after seven seasons in Carolina. The Panthers have refused to oblige and kept him from free agency with use of a franchise tag even though he is tying up $16.6 million of salary cap space.
Likely compensation: At least a first-round pick. The Panthers are clearly unwilling to let one of the NFL's best pass rushers leave for a song.
Trade odds: Poor. Compensation is just half the challenge in any trade talks. The 29-year-old Peppers also will want a contract extension with huge guaranteed money (think at least $25 million — and that may be a conservative estimate). The only leverage Peppers may have at this point is a holdout that could extend well into the regular season. That would be a lose-lose situation for Peppers and the Panthers.
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson
Summary: In February, Johnson told a radio station that he would "rather play somewhere else." Johnson has since softened that stance and reported last weekend for the team's voluntary minicamp.
Likely compensation: A mid- to late-round pick. Consecutive rushing seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006 landed Johnson a big contract extension. Since then, Johnson's productivity has plummeted because of injuries and disciplinary issues.
Trade odds: Poor. A release seems more likely than a trade if the Chiefs ultimately can't get Johnson to lower his 2009 base salary of $4.55 million. To his credit, Johnson is being a good soldier and has immersed himself in Kansas City's offseason program.
Patriots running back Laurence Maroney
Summary: Maroney appeared on the verge of being New England's bell-cow running back after a strong end to the 2007 season. Maroney, though, was once again beset by injuries in 2008 and may not be the best fit on the tight ship run by coach Bill Belichick. New England also has an overload at the position with newcomer Fred Taylor, promising youngster BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and veterans Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris.
Likely compensation: A mid-round pick. With 12 selections in this draft, the Patriots may be more interested in stockpiling choices for 2010.
Trade odds: Fair. A team with a running back need like Arizona and New Orleans would be intriguing landing spots for Maroney.
Other players who may be on the move:
Chiefs guard Brian Waters: Waters wants out after reportedly bumping heads with Pioli and Haley shortly after their arrival. But unless the Chiefs shore a weak offensive line in the draft, Waters may be too valuable to let go. Waters, 32, is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl selection in nine NFL seasons.
Bucs quarterback Brian Griese: He became expendable when the Bucs signed Byron Leftwich in free agency.
Jets running back Thomas Jones: Jones is skipping New York's offseason program because of unhappiness with his contract situation. Although he has four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Jones turns 31 in August and may not get the raise he's seeking elsewhere.
Bills wide receiver/returner Roscoe Parrish: Parrish hasn't lived up to the thee-year, $12.3 million contract extension he signed in December 2007. He could be appealing to a team seeking a slot receiver and returner.
Dolphins quarterback John Beck: Miami couldn't trade Beck last August even after he started four games as a rookie in 2007. His value is even lower now after spending a season as Miami's third-string quarterback.
Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler: Once considered on the trading block, Scheffler reported for last weekend's voluntary Broncos minicamp. While he isn't participating in the team's offseason workout program, Scheffler seems likely to stay with the team in 2009.
Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter: The Cowboys reportedly considered trading Carpenter earlier this offseason. But he probably isn't going anywhere with linebacker Kevin Burnett leaving in free agency for San Diego.
Chargers wide receiver Kassim Osgood: An outstanding special teams player, Osgood is frustrated in San Diego because he isn't used on offense. Osgood was being shopped earlier this offseason and the Chargers found no takers.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards
Summary: Unable to find an adequate replacement for the departed Plaxico Burress, the Giants are strongly considering Edwards as a replacement. With a veteran team primed for another Super Bowl run, it's understandable why the Giants would want a proven commodity at the position rather than taking their chances in the draft. The 6-foot-3 Edwards also excels at outmaneuvering smaller cornerbacks for catches a la Burress.
However, there is a reason the Browns are entertaining offers for Edwards. He is coming off a greatly-disappointing 2008 campaign. No wideout with elite skills catches the football as awkwardly, which helps account for his excessive number of drops. Edwards' contract is another issue. His rookie deal expires after this season and Edwards could be seeking an extension averaging a Larry Fitzgerald-like $10 million annually. Edwards, though, may not have much leverage in this regard. Because of a pending change in the NFL's labor agreement, Edwards would only be a restricted free agent in the 2010 offseason.
Likely compensation: A first- and mid-round pick (New York holds the No. 29 overall selection). Even though Cleveland desperately needs a pass rusher, the Giants seem unlikely to deal Mathias Kiwanuka. Cleveland, though, could push for one of New York's wideouts like Domenik Hixon to augment their depleted receiver corps.
Trade odds: Very good. This deal may hinge upon whether Cleveland can land an Edwards replacement like Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree with the No. 5 overall pick.
Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Summary: The tension between Boldin and Cardinals management has come to a head. The Cardinals now say they are actively listening to trade offers for Boldin, who is unhappy with his contract situation.
Likely compensation: A first- and mid-round pick. Boldin is a more consistent player than Edwards, but is also 2½ years older. Boldin, who turns 29 in October, also has missed an entire season's worth of games with injuries since 2004.
Trade odds: Very good. Even a team with such stubborn, frugal management can see that keeping a player as disgruntled as Boldin could disrupt locker-room chemistry. Baltimore, which has expressed interest, would be an ideal fit. The Ravens need to give quarterback Joe Flacco some better receiving help than 35-year-old Derrick Mason and ho-hum starter Mark Clayton. The Giants, Philadelphia and New York Jets are other possibilities.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez
Summary: Gonzalez has said he isn't actively pushing Chiefs management for a trade, but his actions last weekend spoke volumes. Gonzalez and left guard Brian Waters (see below) both skipped the first volunteer minicamp under new head coach Todd Haley.
Gonzalez has never won a playoff game during his 12 NFL seasons in Kansas City and may not have the chance again on a rebuilding Chiefs squad. Haley and new general manager Scott Pioli are trying to change the culture in Kansas City. Gonzalez's absence is undermining those efforts.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. Gonzalez continued to produce at a high level in 2008 on an awful team. Gonzalez, though, is 33 years old and has said he is approaching whether to continue playing each season on a year-by-year basis.
Trade odds: Very good. Atlanta is mulling whether to make a trade offer. Gonzalez would provide veteran leadership and give second-year quarterback Matt Ryan a Hall of Fame-caliber receiving target. Gonzalez, though, may not be an ideal fit considering Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey usually doesn't showcase the tight end in his passing attack.
Bengals wide receiver Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson
Summary: Unlike last offseason, Johnson isn't making a spectacle of himself in hopes of getting traded. But the fact Johnson is forsaking $250,000 by not reporting to Cincinnati's offseason program is telling.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. The Bengals made a huge error last April by not accepting Washington's reported offer of two first-round choices. Johnson's production plummeted as he struggled with injuries. Conduct remains an issue (Johnson was sent home before a game at Pittsburgh for arriving late to a team meeting). Johnson also turned 31 in January.
Trade odds: Fair. Bengals owner/general manager Mike Brown will ultimately decide whether to stick coach Marvin Lewis with Johnson for another season. Oakland is the most intriguing destination point. The Raiders didn't have a wideout with more than 22 receptions last season. Oakland owner Al Davis also doesn't mind taking on talented-but-temperamental players.
Browns quarterback Brady Quinn
Summary: The player once considered Cleveland's "quarterback of the future" may not have one under new Browns coach Eric Mangini. There is rampant media speculation that Quinn is on the block for the right price. Rather than name a starter from the get-go, Mangini has opened up his quarterback competition between Quinn and incumbent Derek Anderson. The Browns also may have their eye on Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez with the No. 5 overall pick.
Likely compensation: A first-round pick. The Browns might not be able to command much more for a player with only three starts in two NFL seasons.
Trade odds: Fair. The Jets have a glaring need at quarterback and the Redskins could still be looking to replace Jason Campbell after being unable to acquire Jay Cutler from Denver. Remember, though, that 21 other teams passed on Quinn before the previous Browns regime selected him in 2007.
Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers
Summary: Peppers has requested a trade after seven seasons in Carolina. The Panthers have refused to oblige and kept him from free agency with use of a franchise tag even though he is tying up $16.6 million of salary cap space.
Likely compensation: At least a first-round pick. The Panthers are clearly unwilling to let one of the NFL's best pass rushers leave for a song.
Trade odds: Poor. Compensation is just half the challenge in any trade talks. The 29-year-old Peppers also will want a contract extension with huge guaranteed money (think at least $25 million — and that may be a conservative estimate). The only leverage Peppers may have at this point is a holdout that could extend well into the regular season. That would be a lose-lose situation for Peppers and the Panthers.
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson
Summary: In February, Johnson told a radio station that he would "rather play somewhere else." Johnson has since softened that stance and reported last weekend for the team's voluntary minicamp.
Likely compensation: A mid- to late-round pick. Consecutive rushing seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006 landed Johnson a big contract extension. Since then, Johnson's productivity has plummeted because of injuries and disciplinary issues.
Trade odds: Poor. A release seems more likely than a trade if the Chiefs ultimately can't get Johnson to lower his 2009 base salary of $4.55 million. To his credit, Johnson is being a good soldier and has immersed himself in Kansas City's offseason program.
Patriots running back Laurence Maroney
Summary: Maroney appeared on the verge of being New England's bell-cow running back after a strong end to the 2007 season. Maroney, though, was once again beset by injuries in 2008 and may not be the best fit on the tight ship run by coach Bill Belichick. New England also has an overload at the position with newcomer Fred Taylor, promising youngster BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and veterans Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris.
Likely compensation: A mid-round pick. With 12 selections in this draft, the Patriots may be more interested in stockpiling choices for 2010.
Trade odds: Fair. A team with a running back need like Arizona and New Orleans would be intriguing landing spots for Maroney.
Other players who may be on the move:
Chiefs guard Brian Waters: Waters wants out after reportedly bumping heads with Pioli and Haley shortly after their arrival. But unless the Chiefs shore a weak offensive line in the draft, Waters may be too valuable to let go. Waters, 32, is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl selection in nine NFL seasons.
Bucs quarterback Brian Griese: He became expendable when the Bucs signed Byron Leftwich in free agency.
Jets running back Thomas Jones: Jones is skipping New York's offseason program because of unhappiness with his contract situation. Although he has four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Jones turns 31 in August and may not get the raise he's seeking elsewhere.
Bills wide receiver/returner Roscoe Parrish: Parrish hasn't lived up to the thee-year, $12.3 million contract extension he signed in December 2007. He could be appealing to a team seeking a slot receiver and returner.
Dolphins quarterback John Beck: Miami couldn't trade Beck last August even after he started four games as a rookie in 2007. His value is even lower now after spending a season as Miami's third-string quarterback.
Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler: Once considered on the trading block, Scheffler reported for last weekend's voluntary Broncos minicamp. While he isn't participating in the team's offseason workout program, Scheffler seems likely to stay with the team in 2009.
Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter: The Cowboys reportedly considered trading Carpenter earlier this offseason. But he probably isn't going anywhere with linebacker Kevin Burnett leaving in free agency for San Diego.
Chargers wide receiver Kassim Osgood: An outstanding special teams player, Osgood is frustrated in San Diego because he isn't used on offense. Osgood was being shopped earlier this offseason and the Chargers found no takers.
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