Hurricane Sandy bought teams 48 extra hours to make any last-minute adjustments to their rosters by way of trades, as the NFL moved the trade deadline back two days in the aftermath of the devastating storm. This comes after the deadline was already pushed back by two weeks prior to the season, meaning any deals teams swing between now and 4:00 p.m. ET Thursday will come half-a-month later than usual.
Will a later deadline translate to more last-minute moves than in years past? After all, at least a few teams have probably realized during the last fortnight that they probably won't contend this year and could become sellers. A great example: the Carolina Panthers. And one of their key players kicks off our list of notable men who might have to change address before end of business tomorrow.
Steve Smith, Panthers: Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported via Twitter Tuesday that the Panthers had been taking calls but had turned down all offers that had come their way regarding the 33-year-old. I'm not sure Carolina can get much for the five-time Pro Bowler at this point, but he could make quite the impact on a contender.
Best fits: Seattle, Houston, Miami
DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: The Charlotte Observer reports that at least one playoff contender has shown interest in Williams. If the Panthers can dump that salary, they'd absolutely have to do it.
Best fits: Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Dallas
Steven Jackson, Rams: With rookie Daryl Richardson emerging to steal plenty of the veteran's carries, Peter King of Sports Illustrated suggested Tuesday that Jackson could help a contender if the Rams were to part ways with the three-time Pro Bowler. Jeff Fisher says Jackson isn't going anywhere, but we've heard lines like those in the lead-up to deadlines many times before.
Best fits: Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Dallas
Bryant McKinnie, Ravens: There's no room for him in Baltimore and King thinks the Cardinals are interested. Capable tackles are quite valuable, so I'd be surprised if there weren't a ton of offers for McKinnie, despite the controversy surrounding him right now.
Best fits: Arizona, Detroit, Philadelphia
Jared Cook, Titans: The Tennessean's Jim Wyatt reports that the talented tight end has requested a trade, but the team insists he's a big part of their long-term plans. Because Cook is young and the team is too, I tend to believe he won't go anywhere. But it's at least a possibility a tight end-needy team will make a big offer and blow the Titans away.
Best fits: Seattle, Chicago, Green Bay
Chris Johnson, Titans: Very unlikely to happen, but Tennessee would probably be cool with unloading Johnson's salary. The guy's been super-inconsistent and has voiced his displeasure with the team on a few occasions. With a few decent games in a row under his belt, CJ2K's stock might be inflated right now, too.
Best fits: Arizona, Green Bay, Dallas
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: Bowe reportedly wants out on Kansas City, but the Chiefs also say they won't deal him. ESPN's John Clayton said Tuesday Bowe isn't likely going anywhere, but he could really help several contenders right now and this might be Kansas City's best chance to get something for a disgruntled 28-year-old who will be a free agent in the offseason anyway.
Best fits: Seattle, Houston, Miami
