Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Kansas City Chiefs? One of several NFL trades that make sense

(USA Today Sports Images)

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was totally dejected after his team’s 27-13 loss against the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday.

Gonzalez came out of retirement last season because he believed Atlanta could contend for a Super Bowl title. Considering Atlanta advanced to the NFC title game last season, Gonzalez’s reasoning made a lot of sense. After Atlanta’s 2-5 record this season, Gonzalez decided to vent.

“This puts us way behind the eight ball as far as the playoffs are concerned,” Gonzalez told AJC.com. “I think our more immediate concern is winning a game against a good team. It was good that we got the win (against Tampa Bay) last week, but the Buccaneers haven’t even won a game this year.”

Gonzalez’s best opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl could increase before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline (4 p.m. ET).

NFL general managers are currently fielding calls and examining how to improve their rosters. Bad teams may dump their better players for future drafts picks, while good squads are looking to add a final component to make a playoff run.

Here are some trades that make sense (even if unlikely):

New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks to the Detroit Lions or Indianapolis Colts

Both teams need help at that position, and Nicks could be the answer. Lions receiver Calvin Johnson is Batman without a Robin, and even though he had 329 yards and one touchdown against Dallas, Matthew Stafford could use another reliable receiver. The Colts are poised to struggle after Reggie Wayne’s season-ending ACL injury, which makes Nicks an attractive option in Indianapolis.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen to the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has the NFL’s worst defense, and defensive end DeMarcus Ware (right quadriceps) is not ready to play. The Cowboys should consider renting Allen for the season to lock up the NFC East. Dallas may not have enough space under the salary cap to retain Allen after this season, but he immediately improves this potential playoff team.

Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon to the Carolina Panthers
It would be nice to give Cam Newton a receiver he could grow with after Steve Smith retires. Panthers receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Brandon LaFell are adequate, but neither can match Gordon’s abilities. Carolina could be an instant playoff contender in the NFC - this season - with Gordon.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew to the Dallas Cowboys
DeMarco Murray is an elite running back – when healthy. Of course, Murray can never stay healthy. Jones-Drew has enough left in the tank to be an adequate backup this season, and Dallas’ run game would not suffer if/when Murray sustains another injury.

Tennessee Titans receiver Kenny Britt to the New England Patriots
Tennessee does not want Britt. He is not happy with the Titans. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady could use a veteran receiver with talent. Britt has been out of trouble for over a year, and his asking price is not high.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s average offense could use Gonzalez’s skills, which are going to waste in Atlanta. Gonzalez is probably the difference between Kansas City winning the AFC West or advancing to the playoffs as a wild-card team. Gonzalez could help tight end Sean McGrath take a secondary role in this offense. It would also be a fitting end to Gonzalez’s career.

- - - - - - -

Anwar S Richardson is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at NFLAnwar@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

via Y! Sports Blogs - Yahoo Sports http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/falcons-tight-end-tony-gonzalez-kansas-city-chiefs-154525824--nfl.html