NFL Offseason Trade Rumors 2014: Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder, and Denarius Moore Could Be Traded This Summer
Several teams are expected to strike trades this summer in hopes of solidifying their title chances in the upcoming NFL season.
According to NFL analyst Chris Wesseling, several key players are expected to change uniforms in July or August, including New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett, Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder, and Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore.
Mallett has been mentioned in several trade rumors, especially during the draft with sources indicating that the Houston Texans are very interested in acquiring the 25-year-old quarterback.
New England decided to keep Mallett with coach Bill Belichick insisting that the quarterback will not be dealt, but Wesseling believes that the Patriots will eventually trade the former Arkansas standout for the right price, especially if rookie Jimmy Garoppolo impresses in training camp.
"Patriots coach Bill Belichick recently insisted he's not that interested in dealing Mallett, which is another way of inviting prospective suitors to raise their offers. If second-round pick Jimmy Garoppolo looks ready for prime time in training camp, a Mallett trade remains possible," Wesseling wrote.
Wesseling also believes that the Vikings are preparing to part ways with Ponder, who tallied 1,648 passing yards with seven touchdowns in nine games last season.
The Vikings have brought Matt Cassel back, and made it no secret that they are grooming Teddy Bridgewater as their future starting quarterback. Minnesota also did not exercise Ponder's 2015 option, which solidified speculations that the Vikings will eventually deal the 26-year-old quarterback.
Wesseling named the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons as the potential landing spots for Ponder if the Vikings decide to trade him this summer.
Another player who could wear a different uniform next season is Denarius Moore, who has struggled to gain the trust of the Raiders' coaching staff last season.
Wesseling noted, though, that the Raiders will have a hard time shopping the 25-year-old wide receiver.
"Moore appeared to fall out of favor with the Raiders' coaching staff last season," Wesseling wrote. "Now that the team has signed James Jones and claimed Greg Little off waivers, tough cuts will have to be made in late August. Receiver-needy teams should be sniffing around on Moore as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Unfortunately, two of the teams most in need of a deep threat (Chargers, Chiefs) are division rivals."