The Jets need a change and seem to be driven by media attention, so they are my first option as a partner.
I send them a package of Felix Jones RB, Kevin Ogletree WR, and Mike Jenkins CB to the Jets for Joe McKnight RB/KR and Kenrick Ellis DT.
After losing Revis, the Jets are thin at CB and are desperate for any WR help. McKnight is a valuable return man but getting Felix lessens the blow there. Ellis is their back-up NT.
For us, McKnight gives us a real return man and a valuable back-up to Felix. (For those who might think I’m being a USC homer, McKnight was a constant disappointment for me at SC. I have been impressed with his NFL career though). McKnight can and has played RB, WR, CB, KR, gunner, and has blocked some punts. (1 memorable punt against us last year). Ellis gives us some much needed beef on the defensive line.
*move creates approx. $1.8M in additional cap room
Staying in the AFC East for my next trade.
I send our 2013 4th round pick and a 2014 conditional pick to Buffalo for Jairus Byrd S.
Buffalo is going nowhere fast. They get one, possibly two draft picks for a player they are going to most likely lose to Free Agency this off-season. The 2013 conditional pick is based on whether or not he signs an extension with Dallas.
The Cowboys get a ball-hawking safety (16 interceptions, 9 forced fumbles, and 24 Passes Defended in 3 ½ year career) who will be an immediate upgrade over Danny McCray. I immediately go to work on a contract extension for the 26-year old Byrd.
*move take up approx. $615,000 in cap room.
Last, I call the Saints.
I send Marcus Spears DL to the Saints for a 2013 7th round pick.
The Saints defense needs some help and pick up the Baton Rouge native for a song.
We create a roster spot, some cap room, and ship off a player who seems to perpetually be in and out of the line-up.
*move creates approx. $2M in additional cap room
*Salary numbers were based on 2012 full-year contracts. Numbers may be half due to half of the season being played.
We add Joe McKnight, Kenrick Ellis, Jairus Byrd, and a 7th round pick. We lose Felix Jones, Kevin Ogletree, Mike Jenkins, Marcus Spears, a 4th round pick, and a conditional 2014 pick. We get younger and cheaper. With the additional cap room created I get to work on contract extensions for Byrd and yes, Romo.