Should the Jaguars trade for Martavis Bryant?

After the Jacksonville Jaguars’ disappointing 27-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, there has been much discussion about how the offense can improve. The fact is — at this point in the season there is very little most teams can do about their personnel. This point in the year is all about execution, and hoping guys step up in their roles.

An interesting scenario has popped up around the league though, as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant is apparently unhappy with his role, and has demanded a trade out of Pittsburgh.

This brings up the question:

Should the Jaguars consider trading for Bryant?

Lets look at both sides of this.

Why the trade makes sense

On one side, one could argue it could be worth a risk. Bryant’s value is probably not particularly high right now, as he has not had the season many have expected. Bryant has elite ability, and his ability to stretch the field is something the Jaguars are miss sorely without Allen Robinson. Bryant averages just shy under 17 yards per catch in his career, and has speed to burn. He is obviously talented, and the Jaguars need talented players. If you just plopped Bryant onto this team today, they would be a at least somewhat more dynamic on offense, which could take any help at this point.

Now lets look at the other side, where reality starts to check in. Why is Bryant’s value you maybe low? Well, it starts off with the fact that Bryant has already been through the third stage of the NFL’s drug protocol, in which he was suspended for the year last season. Bryant is another failed test away from being suspended indefinitely again. Basically, Bryant is one more mistake away from being Josh Gordon, or Justin Blackmon.

Bryant is also in the last year of his deal, and set to become a free agent offseason. Bryant would most likely be a rental, and would be difficult to re-sign as Allen Robinson will most likely the top priority next offseason. I also would be weary of someone who a good franchise gives up on, as the Steelers would obviously have to think very little of Bryant to trade him in a year in which they are trying to compete for a Super Bowl.

Why the trade doesn’t make sense

That being said, the chances are very slim the Jaguars trade for Bryant. Though the thought exercise is fun. It also brings up a thought I have about the Jaguars, and how they may be in position moving forward to make more win now moves through trading draft picks for veteran players.

While teams don’t want to give up draft picks willy nilly, the Jaguars are at a point where they could afford to take a risk on a guy if the price is right. I tend to think sometimes teams overvalue draft picks at times. While a 5th round pick might become Telvin Smith, it could also end up being Rashad Greene, Denard Robinson, or Chris Smith.

If the team does end up extending Allen Robinson and Telvin Smith, they will still have money for free agency, but not as big of a pool as they have had in other years. This roster is good enough to win now, and if they think they can fill a hole with a good trade, or take on a guy with a favorable contract, it might be worth the risk.

Quarterback will be the obvious trade target in the offseason, and that is a whole topic on its own. The Jaguars may be saving their ammunition to trade for a guy like Alex Smith, or trade up in the draft like the Chiefs and the Texans did this past draft.

I think there was a point in this rebuild where the Jaguars were not going to give up any picks. While they traded up the last two years for Myles Jack and Cam Robinson, i think those were special cases in which a player they loved fell so much they felt they had to go for it. It will be interesting to see how the front office views a proven player, vs. the value of a draft pick. Again, draft picks are valuable, but depending on the chance, I'm not sure the Jaguars should see any of them as untouchable.

The Jaguars are most likely not trading for Bryant, but it brings up a good question. How do you feel about the Jaguars trading f draft picks or future value for more present value this season, or next offseason?

Let us know in the comments, and also whether or not you would trade for Bryant. If you would, what would be the most you would be willing to give up for him? Or any other additions that could help the team this year?