NFL Players Who Could Be Traded

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Feb 25, 2009

NFL Players Who Could Be Traded

Matt Cassel

After leading the Patriots to an 11-5 record in 2008, Matt Cassel was quickly given a franchise tag and a one-year $14.65 million contract. Whether he is eventually traded or becomes the Steve Young to Tom Brady's Joe Montana, Cassel's name will be batted around for a while in rumors. He has been linked to everyone from the Lions to Scott Pioli and the Chiefs.

LaDainian Tomlinson

Mired in contract restructuring negotiations with the Chargers, Tomlinson's future in San Diego may hinge on the next offer he receives. If the guaranteed money comes in too low, look for the single-season touchdown leader to consider parting ways with the only franchise he's ever known.

Plaxico Burress

After signing a five-year, $35 million contract before the 2008 season, Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg (literally) and the foot (figuratively), and may have played his last game in New York. Tom Coughlin has been noncommittal when talking about the receiver's future, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has mentioned him as a trade option.

Michael Vick

A three-time Pro Bowl selectee, Michael Vick, 28, hasn't played in an NFL game since 2006. He's scheduled to be released from federal custody in July, and the Falcons will either try to trade him or they'll cut him. His name has popped up in rumors involving the 49ers, Vikings, Raiders and Cowboys, to name a few.

Anquan Boldin

Larry Fitzgerald has said that he would take a pay cut if it would help the Cardinals keep Anquan Boldin, whose departure once seemed like a foregone conclusion. Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says the wide receiver is open to signing a long-term deal in the desert, but his name has still been linked to Philadelphia and Cincinnati in rumors.

Larry Johnson

In early February, Johnson told a Kansas City radio station that he thinks it's time for him and the Chiefs to "break ties." After amassing back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons, Johnson has been slowed by injuries for two straight years. Still, rumors have linked him to both the Bears and the Cardinals.

Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez has said the he wants to play for a contender, but that he also has "no problems staying with the Chiefs." The all-time leader in receiving yards by a tight end may find himself part of a package as Kansas City looks to rebuild.

Chad Johnson

Early in the offseason, Drew Rosenhaus sent an e-mail to all 32 NFL teams, saying that three of his clients want to be traded: Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress and Chad Johnson. The mercurial Bengal had produced six straight 1,000-yard seasons but struggled in 2008, hauling in just 53 catches for 540 yards.

Julius Peppers

Given a franchise tag by the Panthers, defensive end Julius Peppers has expressed a desire to leave Carolina, ideally for a team that runs a 3-4 defense. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Peppers has been linked to the Dolphins and Cardinals in possible trade scenarios.

Matt Leinart

The Heisman Trophy winner's future in Arizona may hinge on whether the Cardinals strike a deal with Kurt Warner. If Warner re-signs, look for Leinart to explore his options and seek a trade.