The San Francisco 49ers don’t really want Vernon Davis anymore. The St. Louis Rams are broadcasting on the same wavelength regarding Jared Cook. While they’re not doing too well this season, teams like the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets might be interested in making a trade for one of them.
Davis is a two-time Pro Bowler, but in his 10th NFL season, it seems like his best is behind him. He had a down year last season with only 26 receptions and 245 yards, but it doesn’t look like this season shows a whole lot of progress. The 49ers have issues with their passing game in general, but Davis is almost non existent in it, with just 8 receptions for 109 yards through four games.
Cook is also in the same boat. Into his 7th NFL season and third with the Rams, he’s not shown a drastic decline as Davis has but he’s a bit off the numbers we’re used to seeing from him. So far, he’s averaging just 33.8 yards per game, catching 15 passes through five games for the Rams. He’s a very good blocker, but there’s more to him than just that.
Considering their performances haven’t been too eye popping, why would anyone make a trade for them? Well, some teams seeing themselves as contenders have tight end problems. The Denver Broncos for example, as Peyton Manning continues to struggle while his defense keeps bailing him out. Losing Julius Thomas was tough. Owen Daniels hasn’t been very useful so far.
The same goes for the Falcons, who have a potentially very explosive passing game. Jacob Tamme hasn’t been doing too badly so far, but if the Falcons think Davis or Cook can be more productive in this offense, they might send a low draft pick for them. The New York Jets are desperate for some production from their tight ends (not that they’ve been doing badly overall with a 4-1 start), getting only two receptions and 10 yards from Jeff Cumberland, their best tight end this season.