The 2015 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching. Teams have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to make a deal.
With many teams at the midpoint of their season, not every team is clearly a buyer or a seller. But some teams clearly fall on one side or the other.
The earth doesn’t move at the NFL trade deadline like it does in other sports, but there has been some chatter.
It looks like 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is on his way to the Broncos.
Here’s the actual deal: SF is trading Vernon Davis and a 2016 7th-round pick to Denver for a 6th in 2016 and a 6th in 2017, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2015
These four players also could be on the move.
Barkevius Mingo, OLB, Browns
If there’s a sign on a telephone pole anywhere in Cleveland that advertises a fire sale, it’s probably talking about the one the Browns (2-6) are holding.
Barkevious Mingo is among the players on the block, according to Cleveland.com.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, Mingo had five sacks as a rookie but only two last year. This season, he’s losing snaps to second-round rookie Nate Orchard.
According to NESN, the Patriots are a possible destination for Mingo. New England has made a move at the trade deadline in three straight seasons and Mingo could provide depth behind Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower.
Joe Thomas, LT, Browns
The Browns also might shopping Joe Thomas.
Thomas has been an anchor for a franchise in disarray. He has made the Pro Bowl in all eight of his seasons and he’s earned five First-Team All-Pro honors.
If the Browns deal Thomas, the Chiefs are a possible taker.
The Chiefs head into their bye week with two straight wins after a 1-5 start and could feel rejuvenated enough to buy at the trade deadline. Alex Smith has been sacked 28 times, tied for second in the NFL. Thomas would be an upgrade over Donald Stephenson.
Eric Weddle, S, Chargers
The Chargers (2-6) have lost four straight and are looking up at everyone else in the AFC West. The Broncos (7-0) are running away with the division and the rapidly improving Raiders (4-3) are two-and-a-half games ahead of the Chargers.
Eric Weddle, 30, is coming off a First-Team All-Pro season and is a three-time Pro Bowler. He has 19 interceptions and 70 passes defended in his career. He’s missed the last two games with a groin injury, but the Chargers still might try to see if they can get something in return for Weddle before losing him in free agency.
The Giants (4-4) lead the anemic NFC East, but it’s apparent their defense could use some help after Sunday’s 52-49 loss in New Orleans. NJ.com mentioned the Giants as a possible landing spot for Weddle.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings
The Vikings (5-2) are a rare animal in the trade market. They’re a selling contender.
Suddenly just a game behind the first-place Packers in the NFC North, the Vikings aren’t rebuilding. They’re looking for a player or two to make them a Super Bowl contender. Cordarrelle Patterson is a valuable commodity that could get them that player.
With the emergence of Stefon Diggs, the Vikings are overstocked at receiver. Patterson was a First-Team All-Pro as a rookie in 2013, catching 45 passes and returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. But he caught just 33 passes last year and has two receptions this season.
A team that believes Patterson can recapture his rookie magic might be interested.