The NFL trade deadline is just over a week away and while it normally passes by with little to no movement taking place, several wide receivers are available that might catch the eye of contending teams. The addition of more playmaker on the offense could mean the difference of a first-round loss or division championship. Considering their inconsistent start, the New England Patriots have been named the team most likely to grab a player before the Oct. 31 deadline and they have plenty of options to choose from.
Nate Washington has officially been placed on the trade block by the Tennessee Titans. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Washington is being shopped by the Titans after he lost his starting job to Justin Hunter. Washington is an easy trade, but his one-the-field production is questionable. The receiver is in the final year of his six-year, $26.8 million contract, set to earn $4.8 million this season.
Any team looking for a one-year rental would easily target Washington. He will not be expensive to acquire considering he is 31 and best suited for a No. 3 position on a team. Washington has 169 yards to his name this season which is partially his fault and partially because Jake Locker and the rest of the Titans' offense has been struggling. The Patriots do not need a star receiver. They have Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski to handle that work load. But getting someone like Washington to replace Danny Amendola or Aaron Dobson ineffectiveness could certainly help.
The Patriots have not come out and said they are looking to acquire a wide receiver. They are not currently shopping anyone on their roster either. However, quarterback Tom Brady made note that New England simply does not have the talent on the roster to be a high-scoring offense which has led many to believe Bill Belichick and company might make a move in the coming week.
If the Patriots wanted to go all-out on a player, Larry Fitzgerald is the dream scenario. The Arizona Cardinals receiver is in the final year of his contract and ready to push for one more Super Bowl. Brady gives him that opportunity. Fitzgerald is likely too expensive for the Patriots who would rather hoard their draft picks instead. Vincent Jackson could be an option. Rapoport believes the Buccaneers receiver is being shopped as Tampa Bay already has rebuilding on the mind. Jackson would come cheap, but has better numbers than Washington which makes him attractive at the deadline.
