I am sorry but these player for player trades being discussed are nothing but fantasy. Don’t get me wrong though I don’t want to completely stop the discussion because it is fun to think about. But Player for player trades are few and far between and only happen under certain conditions –
1. Bottom of the roster type guys. Like a 3rd TE for a 8th on the depth chart OL.
2. Unhappy player/contract situation for unhappy player/contract situation. Example – Both Portis and Bailey were due to get big pay days so instead of paying them they decided to trade for a player they were willing to pay.
3. Teams are not going to trade one player creating a need just to fill another need. They still end up having to fill a need, unless they have another player waiting in the wings, again like Denver trading Portis.
So these trades with Zach Miller, Rodgers, Nelson and others who are happy players and their teams are happy with them have a xero percent chance of happening. If you still wish to find a highly unlikely scenario of player for player trade then guys who are disgruntled or looking for new contracts are the only way you can go and look semi-nonfantastical. Players such as Sheppard, guys who get franchised, and so on. But you also have to consider that players contract demands as well, and ask if the Cards would actually give that traded player the contract they are looking for, which would rule out a franchised CB from the Raiders.
Any realistic trade for Boldin will not involve us getting any players in return. That chances of that is 1%. Cue the, “so your saying there is a chance” jokes.
Also unless Jax completely changes the way they do business there is no way they want Boldin and the contract they will have to pony up to get him. Jax is one of the cheapest teams in the league.
Also when was the last time a top 10 pick was traded for a player. First those picks are worth a lot more then people give them credit for, just look at how moany times teams have willingly gave up or traded up into the top 10. Second, do the Cards really want the burden of having to pay and sign in time another top 10 pick?
The teams with the highest possibility of us trading with are the ones who have shown in the past to not be afraid to trade draft picks for players and teams with multiple draft picks as of right now before comp picks are dealt. Those teams are –
Miami – Multiple top 3 round picks and Parcells isn’t afraid to trade at all.
Philly – Multiple picks and Ried and McNabb once again crying for weapons. Also they wanted him last year.
Ravens – GM not afraid to make moves.
Giants – multiple draft picks, big time need at WR, not sure if their GM is prone to making deals though.
Lions – 5 picks in the top 82. Would we really do that to Boldin?
Packers – Multiple picks, but doubtful we want or they are willing to give up the #9 pick.