Trade Deadline

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, and Tanny already making a move by sending Derrick Mason to Houston, we have to consider whether or not to to make anymore moves. Right now our team stands in flux, we're weak at many positions, we're affected by injuries, and now there seems to be a slight rift between the offense. It's easy to see that the offense has struggled mightily protecting the passer, making big plays, running the ball, and essentially living up to expectation.

Our defense is also failing to meet the high expectations that comes with a Rex Ryan run system. It's no secret that we have no pass-rush without a blitz of some sort. But this year a secondary problem has popped its head out to say hello. Eric Smith and Jim Leonhard are the same type of player, and because of it we struggle covering athletic TEs and plays up the middle. Part of this can be blamed upon the fact that we have put much less pressure on the quarterback than in recent years, giving him more time to go through his progressions and find his TEs and routes over the middle of the field. 

To address this problem, I suggest taking a look at DE Robert Mathis of the Indianpolis Colts. According to Michael Lombardi of the NFL Network, with the playoffs out of the picture for the Colts, and Mathis a FA next year, he is available at the right price. That price he claims could potentially be a 3rd Rd pick. A 3rd Rd pick for a perennial pro-bowl, effective pass rusher makes my mouth water. The only problem I see with this is that Mathis isn't exactly young, being thirty. Because of this we would probably be giving up a 3rd RD pick for a 12 game lease (I don't see us signing a 30 yr old to a long extension). However you do have to look at the fact that Mathis would provide a much needed proven rusher up front. The only question for me is would he fit our system, is he too much of a three point rusher? Also, is it too much to give up for a 30 yr old? And, is it Kenrick Ellis/Ropati Pitoitua's time?