The NFL’s trade deadline is this upcoming Tuesday, October 18 at 4 PM. Yes, trades in the NFL are not as common as they are in other sports and ones at the NFL trade deadline are rare. With that said, it is always interesting to discuss which moves could be made. Besides, in the Dolphins case, they have been a bad football team this season, so why not look to make moves and stockpile some future draft picks?
So, here are three trades that the Miami Dolphins should make.
3. Reggie Bush
The former Saint is averaging just three yards per carry. He also only has 86 yards receiving through the first quarter of the season. The Dolphins just do not know how to use Bush correctly as they first tried to make him the feature back – something he has not proven he can be in the NFL. They have also failed to get him the ball in open space on the field which is where he is most dangerous.
To put it quite simply, the trade for Bush has not worked out. The Dolphins did not give up a lot (safety Jonathon Amaya and a seventh round pick) when they traded for him and there is no reason to think they would get anything more than that back if they did decide to trade him. However, Bush is a useful player when used properly so teams may take a look. Maybe a team like the Chargers could use him as another weapon for Rivers.
2. Jason Taylor
After spending a year with the hated Jets, Taylor went back to Miami for his third tour with the Dolphins in order to be closer to his family. Number 99 is the NFL active sacks leader so it is not crazy to think that teams needing a pass rusher could call for his services.
With Mario Williams’ season-ending injury, it might make sense for the Texans to send a lower draft pick to the Dolphins in exchange for the 37 year old pass rusher. He would not replace Williams’ production but the Texans would be getting a veteran presence that they could use on defense. It would also give Taylor perhaps his final shot at the playoffs.
1. Brandon Marshall
The Dolphins knew about the extra baggage they were going to get when they traded for Marshall but it was a move that they decided they had to make as they needed a number one receiver. They went ahead and gave up two second round picks and signed the receiver to a five year contract, worth over $45 million before he even stepped on the field with the team.
Although his stat-line this year (22 receptions, 313 yards) looks decent so far, he ranks just 29th and 26th in the league for these two categories according to NFL.com. In addition, Marshall’s numbers may drop from their season projection (88 receptions, 1252 yards, 4 touchdowns) as Miami now turns to backup Matt Moore at quarterback with starter Chad Henne out for the rest of the year with a shoulder injury. Lastly, Marshall is also tied for second in the league with five drops (including a few that would have been touchdowns) in just four games.
His idiotic comments this week about trying to get kicked out of Monday night’s game (http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/14/2453076/miami-dolphins-brandon-marshall.html) only cement the fact that the Dolphins need to look to cut bait with the receiver.
Despite Marshall’s troubles, he is talented. As a result, the Dolphins could probably get a decent return for him. They would not get two second round picks but could get a third or fourth round pick.
Another problem with moving Marshall is that Miami would be back to square one with looking for that number one threat. Regardless, Miami might have to cut ties with the troubled receiver after the season. Why not save time and do it now?
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In the end, it is doubtful that these moves (or any for that matter) will happen. The Dolphins will have a new regime in place next season and owner Stephen Ross may put a kibosh on any trades as to not upset the apple cart for a potential new coach.
Rest assured though, Dolphins fans, because moves will be made this offseason.