With the trade deadline set for November 10th, the Tennessee Titans look ready to listen on just about anyone outside the rookie class, QB Cam Ward, and DT Jeffery Simmons.
Simmons is the one name that would make people stop and pay attention, but moving him would require a huge blockbuster deal. He’s the franchise’s lone true star and most marketable player, and with a new stadium set to open soon, Tennessee is not about to give him away lightly.
There’s also the contract piece. If the Titans were going to trade Simmons, last year was the time to do it before he signed his massive new deal.
At this point, dealing him would saddle Tennessee with a painful amount of dead cap down the road.
So the more realistic path is to deal players who can still bring back draft capital without blowing up the entire operation. Three names stand out.
Calvin Ridley is the most interesting one to watch as the deadline approaches. The Rams just lost WR Davante Adams for an extended stretch and need someone who can step in and help cover that gap until he returns. Ridley has consistently found ways to get open this season, even if the production hasn’t followed for a mix of reasons.
Los Angeles, with an established quarterback in place, could believe it’s better positioned to maximize Ridley’s skill set. Still, because of his age and lack of production, the return probably wouldn’t be anything flashy - likely a late day three pick at best.
Through six games, Ridley has been targeted nine times and has caught five passes for 81 receiving yards.
Another Tennessee player who could fit a contender’s needs is RB Tony Pollard. The Bengals are trying to keep pace in the AFC with legitimate championship aspirations, but their inconsistent run game could end up dragging them down. Cincinnati is averaging just 82.8 yards per game on the ground, and RB Chase Brown hasn’t locked down his long-term future there.
Brown is in the final year of his contract, and the production hasn’t exactly strengthened his case. He’s averaging fewer than four yards per carry and has piled up 246 yards on the season.
Pollard could help steady that area for a team looking to patch holes before January. He’s not the kind of back who takes over games at this stage, but he can still handle his share and make a real contribution, especially in a more loaded offense like Cincinnati’s.
The third name is linebacker Cody Barton, who could be a fit for Buffalo. The Bills’ linebacker group has been widely viewed as one of the team’s biggest weaknesses, even as Joe Brady pushed back on that perception: “I think you’re not as (big) a fan of the way our linebackers are playing based off the questions. I have no issues with the way our linebackers are playing right now.”
Barton has played well this season, which is one reason LB Cedric Gray has seen a limited snap count. But if Tennessee wants to lean more fully into the young pairing of Hill and Gray, then moving Barton to a contender like Buffalo would make sense for everyone involved.
According to PFF, Barton carries a grade of 60 or better in all four major categories: overall grade at 62.6, pass rush grade at 66.9, coverage grade at 61.7, and run defense at 60.0.
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There has been some mixed emotion attached to the Patriots, too, where Mike Vrabel has guided New England to three straight wins and A.J. Brown made his return to the lineup but did not have the kind of efficient outing that usually comes with his name. Elsewhere, TVondre Sweat and Jarvis Brownlee have been largely quiet with the Jets, leaving Tennessee fans with a familiar blend of pride, frustration and what-if as they watch the old roster branches keep developing. [Read more 🡒]