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NFL trade rumors: Jonathan Stewart for Hakeem Nicks is perfect deal

By Jason Marcum

Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pleads for a pass interference call in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) pleads for a pass interference call in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /
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If you read my piece yesterday on why the Carolina Panther should trade for New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks, you probably agree that it’s a deal that seems like it needs to get done if the the Panthers want to add a much-needed offensive weapon. The best asset the Panthers could trade may just be running back Jonathan Stewart.

They could deal him to he Giants for Nicks straight-up and get their No. 2 receiver to compliment an aging Steve Smith, while the Giants would be getting some compensation for a player they stand to get nothing for when he leaves via free agency next offseason.

Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) jumps over Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) jumps over Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Giants need running back help in the worst way, as they’ve been playing Brandon Jacobs, Michael Cox and Peyton Hillis over the past three games. That’s not a backfield meant to last, and Stewart is still a relatively young guy at age 26 and did top 1,000 yards from scrimmage (including 1,133 rushing yards in 2009) in two of the past four seasons.

While the giants have acted like they believe they have a shot to win the weak NFC East and trading Nicks may hurt that cause, it may actually help the, with the emergence of Reuben Randle, who could step into the role of Nicks and make up for his loss, while Stewart would give this offense a more consistent ground game that takes the pressure off of struggling quarterback Eli Manning.

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