NFL trade rumors: Carolina Panthers should trade for Hakeem Nicks

Oct 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) carries the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The New York Giants won the game 15-7. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 6, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates a pass reception during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

At one point, the Giants were on the verge of calling 2013 a rebuild year and selling off their assets for whatever they can get. After winning two-straight, it’s unclear as to whether that’s still the case or not. The NFL trade deadline is tomorrow, and there’s increasing speculation that Nicks, in the last year of his contract, could be on his way out.

Nicks has acknowledged that he’s heard the rampant trade rumors, but for now, he’s still just worried about playing for the Giants:

"“I’m a Giant, and I love playing for the Giants,” he said. “I haven’t been getting any whiff of anything like that (trade talk). I’m a Giant right now, and I’m going to enjoy it, and we’ve got to start winning games.”"

The Giants are in a bind and may not be able to afford Nicks, who could seek a deal even larger than the five-year, $43-million contract Victor Cruz signed this offseason.

On the field, it already looks the Giants are preparing for life after Nicks. Eli Manning has made second-year wide receiver Rueben Randle a significant part of the passing game and targeted Nicks less. With Nicks seemingly getting less targets, it will be easier to replace if they do decide to trade him in the next 24 hours.

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