Richard Seymour

Today, the Patriots made a questionable trade, trading five time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders today in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft choice. The Patriots have been building up their future picks for awhile now, but I’m not sure that trading off a seasoned pro for a future hopeful is such a great choice. Just last Saturday the Patriots traded away a fourth year vet, David Thomas, to New Orleans for a 2011 draft pick. The Patriots better hope there are some amazing athletes in the 2011 draft!

And while this may seem like a good trade for the Raiders, as Seymour instantly becomes pretty much their best defensive lineman this season, it is an extremely questionable long-term choice. The season following this one, Richard is scheduled to become a free agent, and that could be a big blow to the Raiders if he decides to move elsewhere.

All in all, this could be a potentially amazing trade for both teams, or a disastrous one. It all depends on Seymour’s commitment and the 2011 draft possibilities. It’s a gamble, but that’s what makes it so interesting!