5 Crazy Trades Mike Tannenbaum Would Approve Of
Not every general manager in sports is qualified for the position. Former New York Jets front office man, Mike Tannenbaum, proves this on a daily basis for ESPN. He is famous, not for the trades and signings he made when he was in the league, but for trades he makes up between two random teams, that leave fans scratching their heads.
His most recent nonsense, was a trade between the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. Cleveland would send All-World edge rusher Myles Garrett to Detroit for Jahmyr Gibbs and four draft picks (3 first-round picks and a second-round pick). Inspired by his incompetence, here are five trades Mike Tannenbaum would give a big thumbs up to.
Jaycee Horn to the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are headed for the playoffs, and a run at a Super Bowl. This is thanks to their premier free agent signing, Derrick Henry, but also to Lamar Jackson who's current trajectory has him bringing home his third league MVP award. Their secondary is in rough shape though, giving up more passing yards and touchdowns than other teams.
The Panthers need weapons for young quarterback Bryce Young, and they would love some draft capital. To keep things as crazy as Mike Tannenbaum in this deal, The Ravens send Rashad Bateman, a first-round pick, second round pick, and fourth-round pick to the Panthers for cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Maxx Crosby To The Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers just gave a bag of cash to second-year quarterback Jordan Love, and they are committed to getting another Lombardi trophy to Lambeau Field. The offense is sputtering, but showing promise, and the defense has been good, but could use a boost.
The Las Vegas Raiders are a complete mess, and have given up on the 2024 season. They should be in full sell mode, and while teams around the NFL are calling about Maxx Crosby, it will be the Packers making a ridiculous Tannenbaum offer Green Bay can't refuse. The Packers send two firsts and two thirds to Vegas in exchange for their elite pass rusher.
Jonathan Taylor To The Washington Commanders
Adam Schefter recently reported that for the first time in a long time, players are requesting to be traded to the Washington Commanders. The idea of playing with Jayden Daniels is enticing to many, and there's nothing like adding fuel to a fire. The fire is the Commanders offense, and the fuel is an All-Pro running back.
The Colts have thrown in the towel on 2024, benching their franchise future, Anthony Richardson. Continuing to clean house, Indianapolis sends their star ball carrier Jonathan Taylor to Washington. In Tannenbaum fashion, the Colts get back Luke McCaffrey, a first round pick, third round pick, and fifth round pick.
Travon Walker To The Houston Texans
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has shown signs of regressing, but the team is staying afloat, in large part, to their defense. In an attempt to make the strong even stronger, the Texans look to trade inside the division for an edge rusher to play opposite Will Anderson.
The Jaguars are about to give up and become sellers at the deadline. They'll take some value draft capital wherever it comes from, even another team in the AFC South. The crazy Tannenbaum trade would be Travon Walker to the Texans in exchange for Stefon Diggs, two second-round picks, and two fourth-round picks. Diggs is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Jaguars will franchise tag him for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Christian Gonzalez To The Kansas City Chiefs
Reports out of Gillette, is that teams are on the phone with the Patriots, inquiring about the availability of cornerback Christian Gonzalez. New England is laughing like J. Jonah Jameson, before slamming down the phone.
The Chiefs are in full buyer mode as the deadline approaches, and they are willing to make the craziest Tannenbaum offer of all. Kansas City sends four first-round picks and three second-round picks to the Patriots for one of the best cornerbacks in the league, who is still under contract for 2025, 2026, and has a team option for 2027.