There's already been some huge trades this year as we begin to feel the effects of Restricted Free Agency. Anquan Bolden, Santonio Holmes, Brandan Marshall and Donovan McNabb have all been sent packing in blockbuster deals and guys like Charlie Whitehurst and Ted Ginn Jr have been given new addresses in more minor deals. However, there are still some significant names out there who could be dealt by draft day.
Jason Campbell QB - This is just a matter of when as there is simply no room for him on the Redskin's roster now that they traded for McNabb. If Buffalo passes on Clausen (the most pro-ready QB in the draft) then this has to be the most logical landing spot for JC. Even if the Bills get a guy like McCoy or Tebow, they will need a season or two to learn the pro game and Chan Gailey knows how to coach QB's. Campbell can hold down the position until the team decides its time to turn the reigns over to whichever QB they draft this year. This also gives Campbell a chance to prove his worth and if he plays well enough he could earn himself another contract elsewhere. Oakland is another possibility as well.
Marshawn Lynch RB - Buddy Nix has stated that he's not trading him but I think that's just a smoke screen. He's clearly worn out his welcome in Western NY and Freddy Jackson has proven to be an effective alternative. I hear Detroit is interested but I can't see it happening. Jim Schwartz is building a young team and adding a headcase like Lynch could really disrupt that process. I think a more likely destination(s) would be either Houston or San Diego. These are both well established, successful teams who can contend for a title right now and might see a guy like Lynch, with his talent, as the missing piece. They also have the veterans in place to keep this guy in line, unlike Detroit. If one of these teams is willing to pony up a 3rd rounder Buffalo should jump on it. The Giants are a possibility as well.
Jared Gaither LT - With Michael Oher expected to slide over to the LT spot, Jared Gaither has become expendable. But that's not an indictment of his talent, which is immense, but rather its his work ethic that's highly questionable. He signed a first round tender and Baltimore is asking for a 2nd rounder in return (they won't get it) but I think a 3rd or even two 4th's would do the trick. I think an ideal destination would be Green Bay, who needs talent all across their O-Line. Deciding which tackle spot Gaither and Clifton will play is a problem a lot of teams would love to have. Add a guy like Maurkice Pouncey (a 1st round possibility for the Packers) and they could immediately transform a mediocre line into one of the better lines in the NFC. Other possibilities are Buffalo and Oakland (if they forgo a lineman in the first round) and San Diego.
last but not least....
Ben Roethlisberger QB - I rarely pass judgment on the extra curricular activities of professional athletes, but Big Ben is an idiot. Three times now he's jeopardized his career - and for what, looking cool on your motorcycle and hitting some college ass? The Rooney's are arguably the best owners in professional sports and after quarterbacking the Steelers to two Super Bowls he very well could have been put in the elder Rooney's will. Now he's looking at a suspension and he's lost the faith of not just his team, but an entire city. He's got a massive hole to dig himself out of and I wouldn't be surprised if Pittsburgh cut their losses with this guy and shipped his dumb ass out of town. If Buffalo has decided that a QB is how they'll spend their first round pick, perhaps they should spend it in Pittsburgh.
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