Aqib Talib trade Rumors: 4 teams who need to make a deal

The Denver Broncos are reportedly willing to listen trade offers for Aqib Talib, but where would the ideal landing spot be?

We are just days away from the start of the NFL season but the hot stove is burning hotter than it has all offseason long. Sam Bradford was traded to the Vikings, Justin Gilbert was dealt to the Steelers and once prized rookies like Dee Milliner have been released.

Add Aqib Talib to the list of players that could be on the move before the season kicks off on Thursday. The Broncos will be hosting the Panthers, but Talib very well could be wearing a different uniform.

According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Broncos are listening to trade offers for Talib. This That’s not that surprising. Some will try to act like the Broncos are trying to trade the ghost of John Elway. That’s not even close to the case, in fact this might be a great move if Denver can swing it. Talib has proven to be a head case in the past — not just in Denver but Tampa Bay and New England too.

He may be a lot to handle, from beating cab drivers to getting shot at a Dallas nightclub, but he could be worth the risk for the right price. The only question is where would the best fit for Talib be?

Buffalo Bills

AFC, East

Why It Makes Sense: On the surface, it works out of pure desperation. The Bills have been ravaged by injuries this offseason and the veterans on defense who aren’t hurt have been cut. Adding Talib would give the defense a much needed boost, both on the field and with attitude. If you want to see Talib at his most unhinged and most undisciplined, send him to Buffalo. He’ll fund the NFL’s yearly budget in about half a season.

Ryan knows how important it is to have a star defensive back, from his days in New York with Darrelle Revis. Tallinn’s best days might be behind him but he still has elite talent that can be tapped into.

Chances It Happens: Given all of the things that have happened to the Bills this offseason, it’s not that unfathomable. The Steelers just flipped spare parts for Justin Gilbert, a far less talented corner with a high ceiling. Buffalo could get this done if they really wanted to — and they should really think about it.

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Aqib Talib

Carolina Panthers

NFC, South

Why It Makes Sense: After letting Josh Norman go this summer, the Panthers are in dire need of an elite-level cornerback. For having a top-tier defense, the Panthers don’t have a single person that you could pick out of a grocery line — not even Pro Bowler Luke Keuchly.

Adding Talib would basically be like swapping out Norman for an older, slightly more unhinged version of himself. Norman had the ability to shut down a wideout as much as he did knock him the hell out. Talib has the same spunk and talent, and he could help the defense not miss a beat from making it to the Super Bowl.

Chances It Happens: It’s on the lower end of the scale. While he makes sense from the standpoint of replacing Norman, it’s to risky. Adding Talib is like swapping out Norman for a more veteran, yet somehow more immature version of himself. If the Panthers can deal with the baggage, then it’s worth a shot.

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 24: Aqib Talib

New England Patriots

AFC, East

Why It Makes Sense: The best years that Talib had were spent in his brief period with the Patriots. Bill Belichick was able to tap into the potential that Talib has, and we saw the talent rise above the boneheaded off-field decisions. Going back to New England could give Talib the opportunity to turn back into the Pro Bowl caliber corner he was the first time around.

New England also needs all the help they can get to make sure they don’t miss a beat with Tom Brady suspended. The defense is top notch but it can always be better — and adding Talib is one way to do that.

Chances It Happens: Denver might not feel great about making a deal with the Patriots, but if they want to dump Talib it could happen. Lest we forget how good Belichick is at getting players for basically nothing and plugging them into his system. Talib is a part that he already knows fits, and it could be worth the potential premium that New England would have to pay to get him.

ENGLEWOOD, CO – AUGUST 08: Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) heads to practice during training camp August 8, 2016 at Dove Valley. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Washington Redskins

NFC, East

Why It Makes Sense: It has been ages since Washington has been a respectable franchise. As long as they have a racist name, they’ll never be respectable but they might be able to put a solid team on the field. Adding in Talib to a secondary with Josh Norman and D’Angelo Hall could be the right amount of deadly and dangerous.

The NFC East has Odell Beckham, Dez Bryant and a cast of potential problems with the receivers the Eagles have. Making sure you have a lockdown secondary is a must, and Talib in Washington makes too much sense to not happen.

Chances It Happens: It’s actually a surprise this hasn’t happened already. Washington’s front office might not be the brightest, but they take risks. Adding Josh Norman was a giant risk that made sense because it was Washington. Trading for Talib is a total Dan Snyder move, and if there was a team to blindly way the max-premium for the Broncos cornerback, it’s Washington.