Titans' purported asking prices for Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley revealed as trade deadline nears

Almost immediately after the Tennessee Titans traded All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears last week, some suggested that the Titans could part ways with running back Tony Pollard and/or wide receiver Calvin Ridley before the NFL trade deadline arrives at 4:00 p.m. ET this coming Tuesday.

For a piece published on Friday morning, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared updates on the futures of Pollard and Ridley. 

Tony Pollard could be an affordable option 

"After the Simmons trade," Breer wrote, "the Titans like the way their team is playing, and how it responded to the trade of its leader. They also have to evaluate Cam Ward, who’s started to come on in recent weeks. So they’re not going to give away guys like Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. But they have listened on both players. Pollard has drawn interest from teams looking for running back help that don’t want to pay the freight for [Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor], and the feeling from those teams is that it would cost at least a fourth-round pick to pry the veteran back from Tennessee."

Specifically, Breer hinted that the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos are among teams in need of a running back that may not want to give up "the equivalent of" a first-round draft pick to get Taylor. The New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals could also call the Titans about Pollard's availability if those teams are out of the Taylor sweepstakes. 

Calvin Ridley could be even cheaper for a receiver-needy team

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are said to be among the teams looking for some help at receiver. The Chiefs and Steelers may have other options in mind, but clubs could ultimately like what they would have to give up to land Ridley before the sun sets on Tuesday. 

"Ridley, who’s not playing a ton anymore with Carnell Tate having emerged as the top guy in a fleet of promising young receivers, would come cheaper, maybe for a sixth-rounder or so," Breer added. 

The Titans will spend the weekend on their bye, meaning they can focus on taking and accepting trade calls while other teams complete games.