NFL Notes: Trade Rumors, Jets, Packers & Patriots

Trade Rumors

• Jason La Canfora reports that the 49ers are drawing interest in veteran WR Torrey Smith.
• Sources tell La Canfora that the Browns are willing to trade several high-priced veterans.
• According to La Canfora, there’s an “outside possibility” of the Bears finding a trade partner for franchise WR Alshon Jeffery.
• The Buccaneers and Eagles are among the teams that have explored adding a receiver before the deadline.

Jets

• According to Rich Cimini, it would be surprising to see the Jets do anything of significance in the days leading up to the trade deadline.
• Cimini can’t see the Jets trading WR Brandon Marshall or DL Sheldon Richardson, as it’s unlikely they would get enough value at this point in the year.
• In regards to Marshall, Cimini says that his age (33 next year) and $7.5 million for the 2017 season could put his roster spot in jeopardy next season.

Packers

• Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Packers also veteran G T.J. Lang a few months ago that they planned to focus on extensions for their younger players before getting back to him about a new deal.
• According to McGinn, Lang indicated that there have been no negotiations with the Packers regarding an extension, but he said he “absolutely” wants to remain in Green Bay long-term.
• An NFL executive pegged Lang’s value as between $8 million – $10 million per year on the open market: “When they get to market, man, it is the wild, wild west. Most of these guys, if they’re top three or top five in the free-agent class, they are going to get paid, and a lot more than they should.”
• Interestingly enough, McGinn says the possibility at least exists that RB Eddie Lacy never plays another snap for the Packers, seeing as he’s on injured reserve and set to be a free agent next year.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN writes that the Broncos and Patriots trade involving TE A.J. Derby didn’t come out of nowhere, as the two teams had already laid the groundwork for a deal.
• According to Reiss, newly acquired LB Kyle Van Noy should see more work closer to the line of scrimmage with the Patriots in a similar role to Rob Ninkovich, which will allow him to rush the quarterback more.