Trade Deadline Moves the Redskins Should Consider Making

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and for teams who are contenders, and teams who are just looking to purge their roster of guys they feel are no longer in their long-term plans, October 31, 2017 can be a very important and interesting day.

There is some buzz around the Redskins this year as the deadline approaches, as both injury and underperforming have effected the team early in the 2017 season. The Redskins could also be looking to move some players whos contracts expire at the end of the season, and may not be in the teams long-term plans anymore.

Below is a list of some team needs, followed up by a few trade scenarios that may or may not take place on or before October 31st at 4pm NY time.

Team Needs:

Wide Receiver - It’s no secret that coveted free agent wide receiver Terrelle Pryor hasn’t worked out like the Redskins had hoped. Actually, he’s been down-right awful. Jamison Crowder has had a slow start to the season, and fumbling issues have plagued him in the return game. Josh Doctson is starting to come around and show a bit of life, but he’s still not ready to be the team’s go-to guy on a regular basis.

Running back - This is a BIG need. There is no secret that Jay Gruden would “like” to be able to run the ball effectively between the tackles. There is no doubt that when healthy, the Redskins have the horses up front to do so. What they lack, and have been lacking for years, is a true go-to back with good vision, speed, power and quickness. Rob Kelley, despite his toughness, is just not that guy. Chris Thompson is too small to be able to take 20 carries per game. Perine has potential, but right now, that’s all it is.

Offensive Line - When healthy, this is not a big need, but the Redskins are no where near healthy right now, and relying on guys like T.J. Clemmings, Tyler Catalina and Chase Roullier could cause major issues with our offense.

Linebacker - Mason Foster is a tough dude, but he lacks coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline speed to be a factor in our defense for the future.

Safety - We have seen Montae Nicholson step up big-time for Manusky’s group, but our depth at safety is lacking. Nicholson isn’t playing at 100 percent (shoulder), so a veteran backup would be nice. The return of DeAngelo Hall in a few weeks could help, but just how rusty is Hall going to be, and how much can the team count on him if someone goes down?

Trade Scenarios:

1.) Terrelle Pryor for Martavis Bryant: Both Pryor and Bryant could benefit from new surroundings. Pryor is in his second season as a full-time wide receiver, and still has un-tapped potential for a team to unlock. Plus, he’s a Pennsylvania guy, and the Steelers would be in his own backyard. As for Bryant, the talented 25 year old Clemson star has fallen out of good graces with the Steelers. He vows to be a good soldier and due what’s best for the team, but he just can’t seem to keep his fingers shut on social media.

2.) Jeremy Hill for a 5th (or later) round draft pick: Jeremy Hill is just 25 year old, and has became the odd man out in the Bengals backfield. Hill had his best year in 2014 when he rushed for 1.124 yards on just 222 carries (5.1 YPC average) and nine touchdowns, while adding 27 receptions for 215 yards. Although he never played under Gruden, Cincinnati's offense is very similar to the Redskins, so the learning curve would be minimal. A pick after the 4th round could get a deal done.

3.) Cordy Glenn for a 3rd or 4th round pick: The Bills are cleaning house. Glenn may be looking for a new home. Cordy could fit in for the Redskins in a variety of ways. He can back up at either tackle spot, or kick inside to play guard. He turned 28 at the beginning of the season, so he’s still very much in his prime. He could be our future left guard.

4.) Jordan Reed to the 49ers for a 2nd round draft pick: Yes, you heard this right. The Redskins should consider moving the Pro Bowl tight end to San Francisco for a 2nd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Reed, who is frequently banged up, has just started to produce again this season...but guess what, so has Vernon Davis, who also happens to be a better blocker. The Redskins have Nile Paul and rookie Jeremy Sprinkle behind Davis.

5.) Bashaud Breeland to the Lions for a 3rd round draft pick: The Redskins are young at corner, so moving Breeland would force another player into the rotation, but I really like what I’ve seen from Quinton Dunbar, and Fabian Moreau, and I don’t think Breeland is in the team’s long-term plans.