As the NFL Trade Deadline comes and goes today, there are still moves that Super Bowl contenders can make to get themselves over the hump and position themselves in a good spot to end the season. It is important to remember that teams can find plenty of talent that still remains in the free agency pool. We already saw Adrian Peterson get signed yesterday. Now, another notable veteran in tight end Delanie Walker is making it known that he is wanting to join a Super Bowl contender.
Where has Delanie Walker Been?
We last saw Delanie Walker play on November 20th, 2019. He ended up being placed on season-ending IR, due to an ankle injury. His final two seasons with the Tennessee Titans had been plagued by injuries, limiting him to only eight games.
However, Walker has clearly had plenty of time to heal. He said on the Pat McAfee Show back in December 2020 that he was taking the season off to fully heal and because he did not want to mess with all of the COVID protocols. Now, Walker is looking for a team that has a shot at a Super Bowl that is in need of his services.
What Can He Bring?
Honestly, Walker has the skill set where he would be a great addition to any team. He is an experienced veteran and a good leader, first and foremost. However, Walker has also been known as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the game over the past several years, while also having the athleticism and skills to stretch the field in the receiving game.
Prior to the previous two injury-plagued seasons, Walker totaled over 100 targets, over 800 receiving yards and over three touchdowns in four straight seasons.
So, a strong blocker that can also stretch the field. It seems like there could be plenty of teams that could use the services of Delanie Walker. Teams that heavily utilize the play-action pass would benefit the most.
3 Fits for Delanie Walker
Green Bay Packers
Following the injury to Robert Tonyan, many have reported the Packers being in the tight end trade market. However, they will likely not be able to trade for someone on the same caliber as Walker. Also, pairing Walker with Marcedes Lewis in the running game would almost be unfair for defenses, and it would make the Aaron Rodgers play-action to Davante Adams absolutely lethal. It’s also worth noting that Walker worked with Matt LaFleur in Tennessee.
Tennessee Titans
Speaking of Tennessee, why wouldn’t the Titans bring him back. Even with the injury to Derrick Henry, the Titans look likely to make the playoffs. Yes, it could be tough for them to make a Super Bowl run, especially if Henry is unable to come back, but Walker would give this offense another receiving threat to pair with A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Again, the play-action is unfair, even if it is Peterson as the one in the backfield. This make look like a skill position group better equipped to compete five or so seasons ago, but they would still be tough.
New Orleans Saints
What are the New Orleans Saints going to do at quarterback? Is Drew Brees coming back? At this point, probably. He, or whomever is under center, would benefit from a trustworthy tight end, which this team does not have. Given the quarterback issues, the Saints would also love to run the ball more with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, who are back together again. The adding of Walker would add a dimension to this offense that it does not have now that Jared Cook is in Los Angeles.
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