Trades: Possibilities, Realities, and Dreams

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, there's been a lot of talk about which team could and should trade for this player and that player. Some of these "rumors" are possibilities, and others are simply fantasies. How many times have we heard that the Patriots are in talks with the Cardinals about trading for Larry Fitz? More times than I can count. 

Many people forget that there's more to a trade than calling up a team, making a deal-we'll give you this pick or two for *certain player*, and boom, said player is on a plane to his new city. If only it were that simple. When negotiating a trade, you have to remember that the player's contract also comes with him. And that's what keeps a lot of these dream trades from happening. 

So far this season, I've heard Vincent Jackson to the Pats, Andre Johnson to the Pats, Brady to the Texans for Andre Johnson and a couple picks, LeGarrette Blount back to the Pats, and even Marshawn Lynch to the Pats. Some of these make you think that someone had a sugar high from too many Skittles while thinking these up. 

It's no secret that the Patriots aren't big spenders and rarely splurge in the middle of the season. But right now, the Patriots are in "win-now" mode. The pressure is on. It's Super Bowl or bust. 

3 Possible Trades:

• Dane Fletcher- since he already knows the system and the Bucs don't absolutely need him, this is a trade that makes sense and could actually happen. After losing Mayo for the season, the Pats are thin at the LB position. Acquiring Fletcher shouldn't be too expensive and would have an almost immediate impact. 
• Vincent Jackson- the 31 year old veteran would be a nice deep threat addition to Brady's arsenal. Many people wonder: "if he's that good, why would Tampa Bay trade him?" The answer is: Tampa Bay's season is pretty much shot. They're already planning a rebuild. So why keep a 31 year old when you have his replacement in rookie Mike Evans? Someone like Vincent Jackson could be extremely helpful in the playoffs when the Patriots seem to miss a deep threat, more than ever. 
• LeGarrette Blount- after his breakout season in New England last season, especially towards the end of the regular season and in the playoffs, I, like many fans, was disappointed to see Blount sign with the Steelers in the offseason. He was exciting to watch, bulldozing through tackles, and torching opponents' defensive lines. The Patriots probably had no idea that Stevan Ridley would wind up on IR not even halfway through the season, and that they would be left looking for a replacement. But unfortunately, that's the scenario at hand. Blount does have a role in the Steelers offense, but when you have LeVeon Bell, obviously he's your main back. Blount is used more on kick returns and 3rd down situations. Would the Steelers send Blount back to NE for a 5th round pick? 

3 Trades I Would Love To See:

• Joseph Fauria- this one is very unlikely considering he's a pretty big part of Detroit's offense. He also hasn't played since week 3, after suffering an ankle injury. Remember Christian Fauria? Played for the Pats from 2002-2005? Loved him and love his nephew almost as much. Both are tight ends and very skilled players. Joseph Fauria would help out the Pats downfield and give Brady another option at TE. 
• Shady for a 2nd round pick- Belichick never gives up anything higher than a 4th rounder for mid-season trade. So this is pure dreaming. But, since Stevan Ridley is out for the season and in the last year of his rookie contract, this could make sense. LeSean McCoy is one of my favorite non-Patriots. He's a strong runner and can catch passes out of the backfield as well. A lot like Vereen but better as a 1st/2nd down back and not as injury prone. 
• Andre Johnson- Some people thought Andre Johnson in a Patriots uniform was very possible during the offseason. Reports started surfacing that he wasn't happy in Houston and there were questions about if he would attend training camp or holdout. At 33, he doesn't want to be a part of a rebuilding period again, but that's exactly what this season looks like for the Texans. With no real standout at the quarterback position, you have to wonder how Johnson feels about this season. The Patriots could make a run at Andre Johnson and give him a chance at winning a championship.

It's important to keep in mind that the Patriots are coming up on the toughest stretch of their schedule. Sunday's game against the Bears will have a big impact on whether or not the Patriots will be aggressive and make any moves before the trade deadline, Monday at 4pm.