and it makes sense in a vacuum, considering Staley

NEW YORK -- Cynical about the Olympics? You must not be from Fiji.The Pacific Island nation won its first Olympic medal ever, and it was gold, by routing Great Britain in the rugby final. It was a joy to see on NBCSN, and a great example of the benefits to searching beyond NBCs prime-time to see all that is being offered.Its hard to put into words how big icons these players will be, said NBC announcer Bill Seward on Thursday. Being gold medalists, they will be heroes in their country forevermore.The win produced an outpouring of celebrations in the stands and by players after the match. The sport is huge in Fiji, and the nations prime minister traveled to Brazil for the games.RATINGS: NBC reached 26.4 million people with its Wednesday prime-time telecast, dominated by swimming and beach volleyball. Add in streaming and the 1.9 million people who watched the U.S.-Australia basketball game on NBCSN, and there was a total of 28.6 million consuming Olympic content. During the corresponding night in London, NBC had 30.8 million viewers.LEDECKYS STROKE: During an 800-meter freestyle preliminary race Thursday afternoon, NBC swimming analyst Rowdy Gaines dissected gold medalist Katie Ledeckys swimming style in illuminating fashion, explaining what put her ahead of her rivals. This is the only time I get to talk about her stroke, Gaines said. Shes so fast in the 400.FORE: NBC has clearly not been happy with the golfers who chose to stay away from Rio de Janeiro, making the Olympics first golf competition a little less star-studded than expected. Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson cited concerns about the Zika virus; some critics have suggested concerns about a lack of prize money were in the mix, too. NBC host Mike Tirico said Thursday they were missing the chance to increase their sports popularity worldwide. Im a believer that golf needs the Olympics more than the Olympics need golf, he said. Eric Lichaj Jersey . And when it opened, every player was at his stall. Thats a sure sign that a team is in a slump and is searching for answers. "Its embarrassing to be at home and play the way we did," said defenceman Josh Gorges. Christian Pulisic Jersey . - Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings was speaking to a group of local high school students earlier this week when the conversation turned to the importance of being prepared when opportunities in life arise. http://www.usasoccerauthority.com/dax-mccarty-usa-jersey/ . Malkin got tangled up with Detroits Luke Glendening early in the third period and his left skate took the brunt of collision with the boards behind Pittsburghs net. Chris Pontius Jersey . All of the scoring came in the final 20:04. Lucic scored on a power play at 15:46 of the third period, when he tipped a shot over Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen for a 3-1 lead. David Bingham Jersey .R. Smith realized how easily basketball can be taken from him, and he wasnt going to take his place in the NBA for granted anymore. With the trade deadline looming next week (Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. ET), NFL Nation reporters pick one player from all 32 teams who could draw interest in a potential trade:AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsOffensive tackle Seantrel HendersonThe Bills former starting right tackle is buried on the depth chart behind starter Jordan Mills and swing tackle Cyrus Kouandjio. Henderson, who has battled Crohns disease since late last year, has been sidelined recently with a back injury. Once Henderson is healthy again, he has starting potential. Its just unclear if he has a role on the Bills when he returns. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsCornerback Byron MaxwellThe Dolphins had high hopes for Maxwell when they acquired him from the Eagles in March. Maxwell, however, has been up and down and even was benched earlier this season for poor tackling and coverage. Miami will be getting additions at cornerback soon. Veteran Chris Culliver is expected to come off the PUP list within the next two weeks, and rookie Xavien Howards knee injury is healing. The Dolphins could afford to part ways with Maxwell if they were to find a willing suitor, but there are no indications they have. -- James WalkerNew England PatriotsQuarterback Jimmy GaroppoloIf a team dangles a first-round draft choice and more, would the Patriots take the plunge? Here are the dynamics in play: Tom Brady is 39, signed through 2019 and showing few, if any, signs of decline. Meanwhile, Garoppolo flashed No. 1 QB potential in six quarters of regular-season action this season, is signed through the 2017 season and could be the teams QB of the future. It all sparks some intriguing questions: Would the Patriots even consider trading Garoppolo at this point? Would it be smarter to wait things out a bit longer and keep him as Brady insurance in case things take an unexpected turn? Or would they view trading?Garoppolo?now as smart business because he?will probably want to sign elsewhere for a starting opportunity in 2018? -- Mike ReissNew York JetsDefensive end Sheldon RichardsonRichardson is the only tradeable commodity on the team. The Jets?probably wouldnt trade him, but his long-term future with the team is a question because the team?already has?big money invested in fellow linemen Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams. Richardson, who is coming off his best game of the season, is under contract through 2017 (fifth-year option), so the time to deal him would be before they have to utilize the franchise tag. If they trade him now, though, it would show theyre giving up on the season. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensWide receiver Kamar AikenAiken has?gone from the Ravens leading receiver last season to basically a special-teams player, especially when Steve Smith Sr. is healthy enough to play. Still, this is a deal that probably wont happen. Aiken, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, could re-sign with Baltimore in the offseason because hell regain a larger role in the offense next season after Smith retires. Aikens skill set is similar to Smiths, and he could fill his void in the passing game. -- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsCornerback Darqueze DennardWith Josh Shaw surpassing him as the slot corner, and with the team investing a 2016 first-round pick in William Jackson III, Dennard is an expendable commodity. Dealing him could produce depth issues in the short term, however, because Jackson is still on injured reserve. Dennard, a first-round pick in 2014, has played just 111 snaps this season, and hes under team control through 2017. He has only one career interception. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsCornerback Joe HadenHadens stature is growing murky in Cleveland. He told the coaching staff last season he would not play against San Diego with an injured finger, and this season he has missed three games because of two groin pulls that happened in practice. When he plays, Haden can contribute. But a rebuilding team needs more draft picks, and if another team is willing to swallow a huge contract for a cover corner, the Browns might get a third- or fourth-round pick. Tackle Joe Thomas could be added to this list, but coach Hue Jackson said the Browns are absolutely not trading him. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersWide receiver Markus WheatonOne of the Steelers most productive playmakers late last season is experiencing a turbulent contract year. He has missed four games with a nagging shoulder injury, and he had?several drops in Week 3. With four catches for 51 yards this season and a $1.67 million salary, Wheaton could be an appealing option for a team that is one receiver away from offensive success, and perhaps one would commit a late-round pick for his services over the stretch run. His shoulder isnt a long-term issue, and Wheaton, when in rhythm, is a reliable No. 3 receiver with good downfield speed. Perhaps he could use a change, too. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansRunning back Alfred BlueWith Lamar Miller getting the lions share of carries since he signed with the Texans in the offseason, Blue has become expendable. The Texans drafted running back Tyler Ervin in the fourth round, but he hasnt seen the field much this season?outside of special teams. When?Jonathan Grimes?returns from his ankle injury,?the Texans will have a good running back group that could put?Blue on the outside looking in. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsSafety Mike AdamsAdams has made the past two Pro Bowls and has been the quarterback of the Colts secondary the past two seasons. But the team has its future safeties on the roster in rookie T.J. Green and second-year player Clayton Geathers, and Adams is a free agent after the season. Green and Geathers are talented enough that the Colts have played all three of their safeties at the same time at different points this season. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsLinebacker Dan SkutaThe Jaguars signed Skuta?as a free agent in 2015 and created their otto position for him -- a strongside linebacker who can rush, cover and hold up in the run. That position hasnt been?on the field much lately, however, because the Jaguars have mostly been in nickel, which is why Skuta asked to get reps at pass-rushing end, too. Plus, Skuta is falling behind rookie Myles Jack for playing time. Skuta had success as a 3-4 outside linebacker in San Francisco filling in for Aldon Smith. He is scheduled to make only $4.1 million in each of the next three seasons, with no guaranteed money. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansWide receiver Harry DouglasDouglas is a 32-year old slot receiver who has been inactive for the past month on a team with bad receivers. He has only four catches this season, and?hes?making $1.5 million in 2016 and is due a total of $3.75 million. But Douglas is?a good pro who can be a reliable, if not explosive, slot option. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosLinebacker Shaquil BarrettThe Broncos arent actively shopping anyone, and they use everybody on their defense. But Barrett is a productive, high-effort player with a cap-friendly contract as a former undrafted player who made the roster after a season on the practice squad. The Broncos like Barretts upside and production too much to be swayed by anything outside of a great offer, but they do have what ESPN analyst Jon Gruden called a volume of rushers, so it would be a natural, high-need position in which other teams would take a look. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsQuarterback Nick FolesThe Chiefs arent looking to part with Foles, but his experience would be valuable to a contending team that needs an upgrade or injury replacement at quarterback. Alex Smith has been remarkably durable in his three-plus seasons as the Chiefs quarterback; he has missed just one game because of injury. The Chiefs already dealt their most expendable player, running back?Knile Davis, to the Packers. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersRunning back/returner Taiwan JonesThe fastest player on the Raiders roster, and the lone position player still in Oakland who was drafted by the late Al Davis, Jones simply cannot get on the field. He has been inactive three of the past four games. Sure, Jones has a nagging injury here and there, but a change of scenery might also serve as a salve. He could help a team in need of speed, and he not only returns kickoffs but is also a top-flight gunner on special teams. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersOffensive guard Orlando FranklinWith the Chargers rash of season-ending injuries this season, its hard to envision them?giving up a player who?provides depth. But the Chargers do have depth along the?interior offensive line, making Franklin a trade possibility to a playoff-caliber team in need of an experienced offensive lineman. -- Eric D. WilliamsNFC EASTDallas CowboysRunning back Darren McFaddenMcFadden?was fourth in the NFL in rushing?in 2015?with 1,089 yards, but he opened this season?on the non-football injury list because of a broken elbow. Before he can be traded, the Cowboys would have to activate him off the NFI list. Last week he said he was healthy and ready to go and was waiting for coaches to give him the go-ahead to return. His role is cloudy because of the way rookie?Ezekiel Elliott has played. Alfred Morris has handled the backup role, and Lance Dunbar is getting healthier as he returns to his third-down role. McFadden showed last season that?he has juice left and could help a team down the stretch while fetching the Cowboys a 2017 draft choice. -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsWide receiver/returner Dwayne HarrisHarris has been banged up and hasnt been used at all ass a wide receiver this season.dddddddddddd He has been exclusively a special teamer. With Bobby Rainey capable of being a kick/punt returner, maybe another team would want Harris to jumpstart its return game and help its special teams. Harris is a useful piece, though he would come at a hefty price through 2019. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesDefensive end Connor BarwinBarwin, 30, has been an excellent player and teammate since joining the Eagles as a free agent in 2013. He was brought in to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, however, and is currently playing defensive end in Jim Schwartzs 4-3 attack. Barwin has been starting, but he was having a quiet season before breaking out against the Vikings on Sunday. Given that he is scheduled to make a base salary of around $8 million next season, its at least worth pondering whether the Eagles would deal him, though waiting until the offseason seems to make the most sense. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsWide receiver Pierre GarconTo be clear, the Redskins arent likely to trade Garcon, nor should they. Hes a valuable player, adding toughness not just as a receiver but also as a blocker. Hed be tough to replace, especially with rookie receiver Josh Doctson on injured reserve. But Garcon can still play, and another team might view him as someone who could provide them more help. Hes one of the few Redskins who could bring actual value. Hes second on the Redskins in targets with 48 and has 30 catches, but the big plays are made by others. Most important, Garcon is a free agent after seasons end, and, at this point, theres a good chance hell sign elsewhere. If the Redskins had gotten off to a bad start, then this might make some sense. But with the team at 4-3, theres no reason to trade a starting receiver. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsWide receiver Alshon JefferyOne of the Bears top playmakers, Jeffery is on the one-year franchise tag in 2016 and could reach free agency if Chicago declines to tag him again. Jeffery would generate the most trade interest for the Bears, but replacing him is another story. Kevin White, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 draft,?has played in just four career regular-season games, and veteran wideout Eddie Royal is constantly banged up. Unless the Bears feel second-year receiver Cameron Meredith is destined for stardom, theyll probably want to keep Jeffery and see what happens in the offseason. But in terms of pure interest, Jeffery is the best piece on Chicagos roster. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsOffensive lineman Laken TomlinsonThe chances of this are very slim, but Tomlinson, Detroits first-round pick in 2015, lost his starting job to rookie Graham Glasgow last week and isnt likely to be?getting it back immediately. Hes also more of a natural right guard, and if the team decides it is going to re-sign Larry Warford after the season, there might not be room for him in the future. Of course, he could end up as the 2017 starter at right guard?if Warford ends up elsewhere. But if the Lions think they could get a third or fourth linebacker or defensive tackle for Tomlinson, it might be worth exploring. -- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersRight tackle Bryan BulagaThe Packers probably wouldnt want to disrupt the chemistry on their offensive line, but they didnt have any trouble replacing Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton when they cut him before the regular season. Bulaga is only in the second year of a five-year, $33.75 million deal, but the Packers just re-signed left tackle David Bakhtiari to a top-five tackle contract and are?probably going to re-sign right guard T.J. Lang. They drafted tackle Jason Spriggs in the second round this past spring, and he could be Bulagas replacement at a much lower cost. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsWide receiver Jarius WrightThe fifth-year receiver has seen his playing time dwindle in 2016, and the cap-strapped Vikings could get some relief by moving Wright, who carries a $2.56 million cap hit this season. He missed Sundays game with an ankle injury but is a capable slot receiver who earned a contract extension from the Vikings only a year ago, before the emergence of more versatile players such as?Adam Thielen cost Wright a more significant role. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsCornerback Robert AlfordIm not saying this will happen, but Ive been told by front-office guys around the league that Alford is a player worth inquiring about. The Falcons have to pay their top cornerback, Pro Bowler Desmond Trufant, somewhere in the range of $11-14 million per year eventually. And Alford, as the No. 2 guy, wont just settle for nothing before hitting free agency this offseason. So it might benefit the Falcons to see what his value is before he just walks. Despite drawing his share of penalties because of hand usage, Alford is a freak athlete with great speed. The Falcons might have a backup plan at corner already with C.J. Goodwin still a work in progress. -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersRunning back Jonathan StewartThis isnt likely to happen, but Stewart is the most logical choice for several reasons. First, however, the Panthers would have to fall to 1-6 and believe their playoff hopes are over. Its possible a playoff team in need of help at running back, such as Seattle, might then be interested in Stewart if it could restructure his contract for 2017. If these things were to occur, the Panthers might be willing to move on from Stewarts $8.5 million cap hit next season. -- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsLinebacker Stephone AnthonyA first-round pick in 2015 who started every game at middle linebacker last season?and led the team with 112 tackles, Anthony barely plays now. He has just four tackles in 53 total snaps after being moved to the strong side, then was benched because of continued problems with assignments, recognition and instincts. The Saints like his athletic potential and have a desperate need for young talent on defense, so they would love to find a way to develop him. But if another team that liked Anthony in the draft were to come calling, he seems like a prime candidate for a change of scenery. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersQuarterback Mike GlennonGlennon should generate some interest, because there are enough NFL teams out there struggling with poor quarterback play or injuries.?General manager Jason Licht has maintained that he wont just give Glennon away, though, and wants a high draft pick, which is why a deal probably wont happen. One more option from the Bucs: If a team is desperate for a cornerback, former Pro Bowler Alterraun Verner, who has been benched,?is likely to be available. But good luck finding a team willing to pay the rest of his contract. Hes owed $6.5 million next season and will be a free agent in 2018. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsSafety Tony JeffersonThe odds of this trade happening are slim, but with the type of season Jefferson?has put together, leading the team?in individual tackles and playing the most defensive snaps on the team, the Cardinals could command a high draft pick?for him. Jefferson, 24, received a low tender last season worth $1.671 million, and hes in line for a significant raise after this season.??He has?consistently improved the past four years and developed into an every-down safety with game-changing ability. The Cardinals could avoid paying him while stockpiling picks. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsWide receiver Brian QuickIf the Rams want, they could sell pretty high on Quick, who is displaying some of the promise he showed as the No. 33 overall pick out of Appalachian State in 2012. Quick, a free agent at seasons end, has gone from nearly not making the team in training camp to leading the Rams with three receiving touchdowns through seven weeks. As the No. 3 receiver, he has caught 20 passes for 357 yards, already just 18 yards shy of his previous career high. But the Rams have rookie Pharoh Cooper, who was locked into that spot before a shoulder injury. And Cooper is?healthy now. -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersLeft tackle Joe StaleyA number of Niners veterans are trade possibilities, including wide receiver?Torrey Smith?and?safety?Antoine Bethea. The rumors of Staleys availability have already popped up, and it makes sense in a vacuum, considering Staleys age and ability would make him a good fit for a contender. He also probably deserves a chance to play for a team in the mix rather than the rebuilding 49ers. Coach Chip Kelly said Monday there have been no discussions of trading Staley, though he acknowledged that general manager Trent Baalke has control over the roster. It seems unlikely the Niners will move Staley if the price is a first-round choice, as reported, because there probably isnt a team willing to part with a coveted pick. Its also not the best idea to trade away a left tackle if the 49ers intend to choose a quarterback early in next years draft. -- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksWide receiver Paul RichardsonA 2014 second-round pick, Richardson has?played in all six games but has just six catches for 83 yards. He?has totaled 19 offensive snaps in the past two weeks, and he is a free agent after the 2017 season. During the offseason, the Seahawks signed starters Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse to extensions, and Tyler Lockett is clearly ahead of Richardson on the depth chart. There just arent many opportunities for him to get on the field in Seattle. A deal involving Richardson is unlikely, but of all the players on the roster, hes probably the most intriguing trade chip. -- Sheil Kapadia ' ' '