NFL Trade Deadline. Will John Idzik Act?

Jul 26, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets owner

y Johnson (left) and general manager John Idzik (left) walk off the field following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL trade deadline is October 28 this year, just under three weeks from now. The NFL doesn’t see many trades leading up to the deadline, it usually comes and goes unnoticed by most fans. This year the Jets are having a tough go of it early, with a 1-4 record and some tough games ahead yet, I have to wonder if  John Idzik is contemplating making a move before the deadline passes. He could look to trade to upgrade this year’s roster, or might even be looking to bolster next year’s draft by trading for a future draft pick. We’ve seen in the past that John Idzik is a patient man, he doesn’t act quickly, he’s methodical and he’s not a big spender.

Idzik has repeatedly said he is building through the draft for the future, but he’s also stated that every opportunity to improve the team would be investigated.  Well folks, the deadline provides an opportunity to do one or the other before it passes. I’d like to see Idzik act, and at least try to find a trading partner. As I see it, we have at least four pieces I think he could use as trade bait, so let me propose them and see what you readers think.

Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan speaks with inside linebacker

(52) during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

David Harris could be dangled out there on the market to lure potential suitors. I am aware he is an integral part of this Jet linebacker corps, and my suggesting a trade may be an unpopular one, but he could bring value. Harris is now 30 year old and is set to be a free agent in 2015. He’s in the final year of his four year contract, earning 4.9 million dollars this year.

I have to believe there would be suitors, teams looking to upgrade their line backing corp due to injury, or looking for an experienced player to mentor their younger guys. Harris could easily bring a fourth rounder in next year’s draft in my opinion. Considering the lack of talent on this team, and Idzik’s desire to build through the draft, the future draft pick might make it worth while, if the Jets don’t see themselves spending the money to resign him.

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Headshot of New York Jets defensive end

(93) during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kendrick Ellis might be the most valuable piece that the Jets might consider trading. I like Ellis, he’s been a solid player for the Jets, both as a starter and as a reliable back up. Ellis is still young (26) and in the final year of his contract. His 460,000 dollar salary in 2014 makes him an attractive signing for any team in need of a solid nose tackle. Rex Ryan has had him “inactive” for the past two weeks, if they aren’t going to play him much, then he could very well be considered trade bait before the deadline.

Ellis is a monster sized player, who is stout against the run, its hard to believe that the Jets would have trouble finding a willing partner. Personally I think Ellis offers more value then Harris, more then likely a third rounder would be the price you’d like to see them get. The Jets may be looking to move Ellis simply because of the emergence of Damon Harrison.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets running back

(29) takes the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Bilal Powell is another guy the Jets might want to look into moving. Powell has been a talented and reliable back up running back for the Jets for the last couple of years. He’s young (25) and carries a 1.5 million dollar contract this season, which could make him an attractive player for a team needing depth at running back. Buried behind Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson on the depth chart, Powell hasn’t seen the field very often this year.

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He is also eligible for free agency in 2015, and I’d like to see them get something for him if they don’t see him as a future running back. His value is most likely much less then either Harris or Ellis, but I think they might be able to pick up a fifth rounder for him, or maybe even trade him for a project wide receiver. Again, if the Jets aren’t going to allow him to play, and they can find a willing trade partner, it might benefit the team to let him go, it surely would be better then to see him leave via free agency.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(1) passes during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Vick might still hold some value. I’m not sure if the Jets can afford to move him at this point, due to the struggles of Geno Smith, but it might be worth exploring. Vick is an experienced veteran at the age of 34, now in his 12th NFL season. The Jets invested 5 million dollars to bring Vick into the fold this season, its a one year deal and its hard to fathom the Jets resigning him next season.

Vick hasn’t shown much this season, granted the Jets never gave him a chance, but the Jets could see him as expendable at this point in the season. If they could find a willing partner, and if he holds any value, it might make sense to move on, and allow Chris Simms to back up Geno Smith for the remainder of the season. Trade value is likely low, but any draft pick we could get for him would be a welcome addition to the 2015 draft.

If John Idzik wants to move someone to improve this team, this is his last chance. The deadline is approaching, and it has become obvious that the current roster is less then ideal. Will John Idzik try to make a trade? Should he? Who should he move to bring value? I’ve thrown out a few ideas, now I want to hear what you think! Play GM for the day and let me know what you’d do! Let’s have some fun discussing this one!