Tennessee Titans defensive trade targets from sinking teams
By Will Lomas
This is the bye week and with so little to talk about, it is fun to think about the crazy stuff that could happen in the season. One thing that is a hot topic now is the Chicago Bears fire sale, and what happens when a team like that enters lose-now mode.
More from Titans Draft
- Tennessee Titans suspiciously quiet about major draft need
- 3 needs that are being overblown by Tennessee Titans fans
- Tennessee Titans must be careful trading down in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Tennessee Titans should only spend their premium draft picks on offense
- Tennessee Titans connections may be crucial for a draft day trade
With that in mind, here are some of the top defensive trade targets from each team that should be looking to get whatever they can.
San Diego Chargers: Eric Weddle S
Weddle is clearly unhappy with his position in San Diego and is expected to walk after this season after the team didn’t make a significant effort to keep him long term. This team is short on defensive backs and if Weddle could be had for a cheap price it would be great way to get great value and take pressure off of a very thin cornerback group.
Live Feed
FanSided
San Diego Chargers: Jeremiah Attaochu EDGE
Many people may not know Attaochu, but he was one of my favorite draft prospects a year ago. He makes plays on special teams and defense and he would be a great rotational player behind Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. He is young, but he isn’t getting on the field often. He is a capable pass rusher and in a division where Kansas City and Denver both look very strong and the Chargers have gotten off to a slow start, I could see them selling off some pieces for cheap.
New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson DL
This would be a big asking price for a huge player but it makes a lot of sense. The Jets are doing well right now so this wouldn’t be a move out of desperation, it would be a smart business move. With Sheldon Richard likely to come back next year since no one has heard otherwise and with Leonard Williams looking good, why not make a move for him now?
Wilkerson is in a contract year and will make a ton of money in free agency, the Jets can’t hope to keep him and their high priced receivers (plus Darrelle Revis) so that means that soon he will leave whether they want him to or not.
I think that you could get Wilkerson with a 3rd round pick or maybe Mettenberger and a 6th if the Titans want to make that move. He would give this defense an anchor opposite Jurrell Casey. Imagine that front four on 4-3 downs, you would have Brian Orakpo, Jurrell Casey, Wilkerson, and Derrick Morgan. Dick LeBeau could call whatever blitzes he wanted or no blitzes and still bring a lot of pressure.
Now, again let me say that this is all for fun and just an interesting look at what the Titans could do and options they should be thinking about as their bye week gives them time to look around the league and think. I don’t imagine any of these moves will be made, but I think these players can definitely be had for the right price.