Sporting News

Barber, Haynesworth lead list of logical trade candidates

The NFL trading deadline is Tuesday, but it might be a letdown.

Randy Moss already is with the Vikings, and Deion Branch has been reunited with the Patriots. That leaves Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline with a tough act to follow. Some of the biggest names involved in trade rumors seem unlikely to be dealt, including two seasonlong holdouts — Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and Patriots guard Logan Mankins. Chargers general manager A. J. Smith already has turned down better trade offers than he'll likely receive for Jackson on Tuesday. Teams interested in Mankins seem content to wait until he becomes a free agent next spring, rather than trade for him now and give the Patriots compensation.

On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh denied the team was looking to deal backup running back Willis McGahee, who did not get a single carry Sunday at New England.

"I can see why there could be speculation," Harbaugh told reporters. "Unless there's something I don't know about, which I think is almost impossible, there is absolutely no way he's being traded."

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan also threw water on the idea of trading disgruntled defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, saying there's "a pretty good chance" Haynesworth would remain with the Redskins.

However, Shanahan just might hear a last-minute offer he can't resist. Here are six players who could need a moving van by Tuesday night:

Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys

Why they would trade him: The Cowboys are 1-4 and need a shakeup. They have two other capable backs in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Since Jerry Jones insists he will not fire Wade Phillips during the season, maybe stirring the pot with a trade would wake up the Cowboys. Barber is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, the lowest of his career.

Who might be interested: The Packers need a back after losing Ryan Grant for the year.

Lee Evans, WR, Bills

Why they would trade him: As bad as their quarterbacks are, the Bills never will get the most out of Evans. They are not going anywhere this season, so why not trade Evans and stockpile the draft picks needed to rebuild?

"Right now, (general manager) Buddy (Nix) and I have not talked about any changes on the horizon, but we've got until four o'clock," Bills coach Chan Gailey said Monday. "So you never know what might happen."

Who might be interested: The Rams lost wide receiver Mark Clayton for the year and should go get rookie quarterback Sam Bradford another veteran target.

Tommie Harris, DT, Bears

Why they would trade him: Not nearly the dominant player he once was, Harris was a healthy scratch earlier this season against the Packers. Maybe a change of scenery would rejuvenate Harris.

Who might be interested: A team like the Eagles might be interested in adding Harris to strengthen the line rotation.

Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redskins

Why they would trade him: The relationship between Shanahan and Haynesworth has not been smooth, and Haynesworth only has been active in three of the first six games. Returning to a 4-3 defense would make Haynesworth happy. Trading Haynesworth would mean Redskins owner Dan Snyder would be admitting a $100 million mistake, but this relationship seems destined for divorce at some point.

Who might be interested: The Titans reportedly would welcome back Haynesworth, if they could agree with the Redskins on compensation.

Shaun Rogers, NT, Browns

Why they would trade him: He has trouble staying healthy and is no longer a starter. The Browns are headed for another dismal season, and it appears Rogers already has fallen out of favor with new president Mike Holmgren.

Who might be interested: Rogers still can make plays when on the field, so a team in need of a run-stopper might seek him out.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans

Why they would trade him: Arian Foster is no doubt the feature back in Houston, and Slaton has become the odd man out. Slaton is only 24 and has good speed. He might never thrive again in Houston—where he did have 1,200-yard rookie season—but could be productive elsewhere.

Who might be interested: The Redskins need help at running back. Moving to the Redskins would reunite Slaton with former Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who now is working for his dad, Mike.

Around the Web