Going into the final year of his rookie contract, Gerhart could be one of the only Vikings on the trade block this year. Let's face it, playing behind Adrian Peterson, Gerhart won't be seeing the field on a regular basis anytime time soon in Minnesota. A team that's thin, and in need of quality depth at running back, could come calling for the untapped potential that is Gerhart.
The Chiefs say they no longer intend to trade their left tackle Branden Albert. But who's to say that couldn't change? They already tried to deal him once, and there's obviously a reason they were willing to part ways with him. At this point, I think they'd be crazy to trade him, but if the right offer was on the table, the Chiefs would likely consider it.
Going into the final year of his contract, and coming off a lackluster 2012, Tate could be a player that's moved in 2013. He's one of seven running backs on the Texans' roster currently, and he's certainly expendable. There could still be teams interested, after seeing him rush for nearly 1,000 yards just two seasons ago, but the Texans woulds have to get a very fair offer to let him go.
After being dealt two years in a row, who's to say it couldn't happen again to Matt Flynn? This guy just can't seem to catch a break. After it looked like he'd finally get his shot to start with the Raiders, the team went out and drafted QB Tyler Wilson. Now it's already rumored that Wilson is gunning for the starting job, and Flynn could again be left out in the cold. If so, he'd be good trade bait, again.
This was a real hot topic leading up to the draft, as many teams were rumored to be interested in acquiring Mallett, but nothing ever became of it. Now a deal seems like somewhat of a long-shot. The Pats might like what they have, or they never got the offer they wanted, which was rumored to be a second round pick in return for Mallett. Still, you know the Patriots are always listening to offers.
After disappointing yet again in 2012, you have to think the Chargers' patience with Mathews is wearing thin. He's yet to play in all 16 games in a season, and he's only eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark one time, in three seasons. San Diego isn't exactly sitting pretty, and if they're struggling half way through the season, they could get some calls about Mathews. He'd be a great role player on a lot of teams.
Williams has of course been the subject of trade rumors for months, but the chances of him getting dealt just went down. The RB just agreed to a restructured contract, that will save the Panthers $3.2 million in cap space. However, the 30-year old could easily find his way back to the block if Carolina flops in the first half of 2013.
Oh Mark Sanchez, how you're always in the news, for being no good at your job. Are the Jets about ready to be done with this guy? I think the answer is yes, but I'm sure they'd like to see what they could get in return. It's hard to imagine another NFL team actually wanting him, but I think the Jets would still love to find a trade partner, even if it means eating a portion of the looming $8.75 mil.
This is probably the biggest long-shot on the list, but Gates getting dealt, is not out of the question. He's not the player he once was, and the Chargers aren't the team they once were. It's possible the team turns it around in 2013, but I don't see them anywhere near the playoffs. If that's the case, and they decide they want to start planning for a rebuild, trading Gates will clear up $15 million in cap space over the next two years.
There are simply a lot of quarterbacks in Philadelphia. For the time being, it seems like it's Michael Vick's team, but that could change in an instant. With five QBs currently on the roster, somebody has to go. Foles is a prime candidate, given that the team just spent a fourth round pick on Matt Barkley. Teams got a chance to see what Foles could do last year, and I think he showed some solid potential. If the Eagles like what they see in Barkley, they'd be wise to take a late-round pick in exchange for Foles.
Vick is actually in near the same position as Foles. For all we know at this point, Chip Kelly could decide to go with Matt Barkley and start fresh. I doubt that will happen, and I think Vick starts the season. But if the Eagles fall apart, Vick could be ideal trade bait.
Wallace is a proven backup who would make sense for a team in need of depth late in the season. He'll only be available if the Saints can't rebound from their disappointing 2012, or if he ends up being third string.
What if things don't work out for Freeney in San Diego, and the Chargers tank? I could easily see a scenario where Freeney gets dealt after only half a season with his new team. The veteran pass-rusher would be a great roster addition late in the season for a contender looking to get to the quarterback more often.
It's doubtful the Texans would let go of Yates, but they do seem dead set on Matt Schaub being the man behind center. Some team is going to want to acquire the talented backup at some point, but I think he's too talented for Houston to let go. Still, this is a guy who's an ideal trade candidate for a team in need of a QB.
After a hot start in 2012, Ogletree didn't do much the rest of the season. If he continues on his downward trend, he could be looking for his third team in less than a year.
Just like with Freeney, maybe Woodson realizes he made a mistake. Maybe things were much further gone than Woodson anticipated in Oakland, and he wants out mid-season to play for a contender? It would no doubt present the franchise a good opportunity to get a draft pick or two for the future.
Kolb would only be a trade candidate if E.J. Manuel bursts on the scene, and his services are no longer needed in Buffalo. I won't be shocked if Kolb rides the pine all year until someone comes calling for a QB. Buffalo isn't likely going anywhere near the postseason, and if they know Manuel is their guy, Kolb could land them some picks for 2014.
Injuries have plagued Murray so far in his career, and 2013 isn't off to a great start for the running back, either. Much will depend on how the Cowboys perform this season, but if they're nowhere near the playoffs and Murray isn't healthy, he could become trade bait.
Simpson will need to rebound completely from his disappointing 2012 season, before he'll have any trade value at all. Only if he comes back with a very strong year, and the Vikings are out of playoff contention, would this be a realistic thing. Simpson is more likely a guy who will get cut.
Only if the Vikings become thoroughly convinced Christian Ponder is their guy, or if the team tanks, would dealing Cassel become an option. He's really just an insurance policy for Ponder, and the Vikings don't seem to have any long-term plans for him. I don't see them trading him, but he's one of the few Minnesota players where it's a possibility.
With the acquisition of LeGarrette Blount, Bolden could be the odd man out in New England. Depending on how Stevan Ridley and Blount look in training camp, the Pats could find themselves with an expendable back.
The quarterback position is extremely up in the air in Jacksonville, and Henne could become a veteran who gets put on the block later in the season. He'd make a great addition for a team trying to ensure quality depth at QB for a playoff run.
Gabbert will more than likely finish the season on the bench before he gets traded, but it's still a possibility for a team that's not expected to finish anywhere but last in the AFC South. Gabbert still has one year left on his deal, so a team might want to give him one last shot before he hits the open market after next season.
The Bills aren't expected to contend for a playoff spot, and C.J. Spiller is expected to be the feature back in Buffalo this season. This could spell the end of Jackson's tenure there, but he would make a great roster addition for a contending team looking to add a quality No. 2 back.
Austin has been the subject of trade rumors before, simply because he seems to be expendable for the Cowboys. Only if Dallas has its act together from week one this season, and they stay in contention, will Austin stay on the roster. If the Cowboys are in the NFC East cellar, Miles would be prime trade bait to land a mid-round pick for 2014.
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