Could a Trade Add Missing Piece to the Redskins Defensive Puzzle?

2012 yet again finds the Washington Redskins sitting at the bottom of the division(3-5). We have now hit the half way point of the season, and are just one week removed from a much-needed bye. The record to this point of the season shouldn't surprise many, but the way that we have gotten there should surprise a few.

The Redskins entered the 2012 season with many questions surrounding the offense. For one, we were starting a rookie quarterback, and in the NFL, that is as big a guessing game as there is. We also had many questions surrounding our offensive line, and most pundits had us ranked near the bottom of the league entering the season. The revamped wide receiving corps, even though the position was significantly up-graded this off-season, still remained a question mark.

The defense was thought to be a strength of the team;..............boy how we were wrong! The Redskins currently rank 29th in the league in total defense, and dead last in passing yards per game, giving up an average of 314 yards to opposing passers, and allowing over 28 points per contest.

So what needs to be done?

Well, the answer is a LOT. What CAN be done is a much more logical question. The NFL extended the trade deadline this season to the Tuesday after week 8(which is this Tuesday, October 30th). What does this mean for the Redskins?

We are at a point in the season where we can start to see this teams strengths and weaknesses, and none are more poignant that the state of our secondary.

Below are some possible trade targets that could help the Redskins down the stretch, and in the future: Derek Cox - CB Jaguars 6'1" 180(age 26): Cox is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2013. The former third round pick of the Jaguars in the 2009 NFL draft out of William and Mary has been a solid player for this struggling franchise. Cox, who has missed some games this season due to a sore back, is a steady cover corner, who possesses great speed, excellent reaction skills, and can also be a factor in the return game. His physical play, combined with his 4.39 speed and 36.5 inch vertical make him a solid option to cover the opposing teams top receiver. Cox has a meager 2012 salary of 1.26 million, and would be a wise investment for the future of the Redskins secondary. Currently, Jacksonville sits at 1-6, and is rumored to be looking at all options to add more draft picks in 2013. Could a 3rd get the deal done?

Aqib Talib - CB Bucs 6'2" 202(age 26): Much like Cox, Talib, who is set to become a free agent in 2013, is a big, physical corner, with solid man coverage skills, and excellent speed and reaction time. The former first round pick in the 2008 draft out of Kansas, has recently fallen on some hard times with his current team after being suspended for four games for testing positive for Adderall, an amphetamine that is taken as a stimulant by players. Talib is not the only player who has been suspended by the NFL this season for using the substance, as two Giants, Will Hill and Tyler Sash, and Joe Haden of the Browns were also suspended four games each for testing positive for Adderall. Giants running back Andre Brown was also suspended early in the season for the same violation, but his suspension was over-turned on appeal. Aside from the suspension, Talib is a talented corner, who most likely won't be re-signed by Tampa Bay next season. He would have a chance to reunite with his former coach Raheem Morris in D.C., and have a fresh start to his career. Due to the recent suspension, and some past troubles, his asking price shouldn't be too high, and his next contract could be an incentive laden one, that hinges on him staying clean. Would the Bucs take just about anything now for a player they are most certain to let walk in 2013?

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB Eagles 6'2" 183(age 26): Rodgers-Cromartie may be one of the most gifted athletes in the NFL. The former first round draft pick of the Cardinals posted a 4.33 40, and has a vertical over 40 inches. He is a physical presence at corner, but may have wore out his welcome in Philly with his brash attitude and freelancing style of play. There is no doubt however of his talent, and he could be just the piece the Redskins need at corner to lock down a teams opposing number one. The likelihood of the Eagles trading Cromartie within the division is slim, but stranger things have happened(see McNabb, Donovan), and with Andy Reid's fat ass currently on the hot-seat, I wouldn't put anything past the struggling Eagles.