NFL Trade Ideas: potential fits for contending teams

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) makes a catch as Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) defends during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

Deal: Carolina acquires Nate Washington from the Houston Texans for a 7^th Round Pick

The Carolina Panthers have built a winning atmosphere since Cam Newton has entered the league. However, they have done so with a little bit of smoke and mirrors. Carolina has benefited from playing in the NFC South which might be the weakest division in the league.

Things appear to be similar this year with the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing below-average football. At this point, it appears that the Atlanta Falcons are the only real threat and they have question marks of their own.

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Carolina could win the division with the current make up of their roster but it will be a tight race. They need to bring in another offensive weapon to help Cam Newton. The Panthers don’t have the cap room to make a big splash with someone like Pierre Garcon but could target a reliable veteran like Nate Washington.

Washington isn’t an elite player but he has a track record for making plays and providing the quarterback with a reliable target. The Houston Texans are unlikely to be in the playoff hunt this season and could pick up a small asset by moving Washington.

According to sportrac.com, Financially this trade works with the Panthers having around $5 million in cap space available and Washington is only owed $615,000 this season.

Next: Atlanta Falcons