Ryan Mallett, QB, New England Patriots
Mallett isn’t on the trade block because of performance; more so the lack of the ability to perform. Sitting behind Tom Brady for two seasons has its perks, but when you’ve thrown just one pass, you begin to realize that you won’t be playing anytime soon.
The Patriots realize this too, as the 6-foot, 6-inch quarterback has the build of a premiere player. Many teams could roll the dice on a player like Mallett, and the Patriots would oblige, given that he’s their back-up quarterback.
New England certainly would not hesitate to use the value of a player that doesn’t see the field. Add in the newly-drafted Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Patriots have much to be comfortable about.
The state of Texas seems like an area of interest for Mallett, who could compete for a starting job for the Houston Texans or back-up Tony Romo until the city of Dallas calls for another quarterback.
LaMichael James, RB, San Francisco 49ers
James is another player that has potential to be a threat on some offense, just not the one he’s currently playing in. The 49ers are stacked at the running back position, with future Hall-of-Famer Frank Gore, second-year back Marcus Lattimore and newly-drafted Carlos Hyde.
The 49ers would be foolish to pay James the rest of his four-year, $3.318 contract and have him occupy the fourth running back slot. Thus, it seems like James will play for a different team next year.
The obvious link would be the Eagles, where his former coach Chip Kelly can find a way to use him. There, he would most likely be the third running back behind LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles.
Brandon Flowers, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
Flowers has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ secondary for six seasons, picking off 17 passes in his time in Kansas City. However, Flowers doesn’t seem to fit the defensive scheme that defensive coordinator Bill Sutton will work with.
Flowers is also owed $5.25 million, which could be another reason the Chiefs are thinking about parting with the veteran. The Texans, among other teams, could definitely use some help in the secondary.
Rob Housler, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Housler is one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the league, but Head Coach Bruce Arians tends to favor tight ends with other skills. Arians’ offense features mostly blocking tight ends, which would make Housler’s abilities less valuable for the Cardinals.
However, NFL teams are always looking to add tight ends that can be threats on offense. Leading that pack is New England, which is still trying to fill the void left by Aaron Hernandez and Altanta, which lost Tony Gonzalez to retirement.
Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins
It doesn’t seem to make sense for a team like the Dolphins to trade up to pick No. 3 in last year’s NFL Draft, but here we are. There have been rumors that the Dolphins are shopping Jordan for offensive line help.
It’s not a bad idea for the Dolphins, who have a depleted offensive line. Jordan had 26 tackles last year, with two sacks. Even if his stats aren’t dominant, his potential and age should give him some trade value.
Jordan could find himself going to a number of places, but Philadelphia and Dallas seem like strong contenders.