Gaines was rushed to the emergency room in the early hours of morning and, while the cause of death or concern is still unknown, the coroner has divulged that Gaines appeared perfectly healthy before his death was pronounced. An autopsy is scheduled for later today.

It seems 26 is the unlucky number right now in the NFL. This story strikes a chord as it follows the death of Cincinnati’s wide receiver Chris Henry no more than a month ago, also at the tender age of 26.

The league and it’s fans alike were only just healing from Henry’s tragic loss and are now faced with another to overcome.

Gaines, a former Clemson University star, was drafted with the fourth overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2007 draft. He was traded to the Bears in October of last year for a second round pick in April.

He appeared in 15 games with the Bears last season and recorded one sack, two forced fumbles, and three safeties.

During the 2007 draft, in a time when character was on the chopping block, players like Adam “Pacman” Jones and Florida’s Marcus Thomas were only projecting the attitude that had cast such a flawed shadow over the league.

Adams was one of the few players who countered that image and showed that good character was not something of a rare nature in the NFL. Although later he and a few others at the combine admitted to using marijuana, it didn’t stain or reflect in his personality.

He continued to be a positive influence in the locker room and appeared to be headed in the right direction by adding himself to an already budding Bears defense.

There is a lot of speculation surrounding several bottom-of-the-barrel teams, and for good reason.

The Buffalo Bills are reportedly at least discussing trading Terrell Owens, their one-year free agent splash, while the Browns have had to fight-off rumors about parting ways with former franchise quarterback Brady Quinn, and star return man, Josh Cribbs.

There are nine teams that currently only have one win in 2009, or are still searching for their win.

Here’s a look at all nine of those teams, a trade-bait suggestion or two, and some analysis to think about as we head toward the October 20th NFL trade deadline.

Carolina Panthers (1-3)

They finally got a win last weak against the Washington Redskins, but even that wasn’t very convincing. They’re in a division with two very solid teams in front of them, and don’t have much breathing room. Like it or not, it’s probably best to start thinking about 2010.

Trade Julius Peppers .

They franchised him, so they know he’s as good as gone either way, so now is the time to get what they can out of him. Just about any contending team out there will at least express some interest. However, considering the franchise tag, everyone knows the asking price can’t be as high as Carolina wishes it could be.

Look for the Denver Broncos to be involved, as well as anyone who wouldn’t mind giving up a high pick or a possible future Jake Delhomme replacement.

Buffalo Bills (1-4)

Head coach Dick Jauron is almost certainly out the door by midseason, while many are beginning to question if quarterback Trent Edwards has what it takes to be a successful franchise quarterback.

Trade Terrell Owens.

Their biggest trade tool is their one-year man, T.O., but even he may not generate a ton of interest. Only teams who are competitive, yet completely decimated at receiver will take interest.

However, he’s still a top talent with tons of experience and confidence, so calls will be made, and a trade will at least be discussed.

Look for the Chicago Bears to be the team mentioned the most in rumors, but don’t rule out Minnesota, Washington, San Diego, or even Green Bay getting involved.

Cleveland Browns (1-4)

They already got rid of one contract-year problem, so why not ship-off whichever quarterback they’re done using?

Trade Brady Quinn.

Many rumors suggest trading return star Josh Cribbs, but considering how cheaply the Browns have him (through 2012), that would be foolish.

Quinn has just about had it in Cleveland, and for the right price, there will be a team ready to give him a second chance, rather than take their chances with a first rounder in the 2010 draft.

Oakland Raiders (1-4)

They don’t have a ton of assets, but they may want to start thinking about getting rid of whatever they can afford to lose.

Trade Darren McFadden.

I know he’s still young and could improve with an upgraded offensive line, but he hasn’t really shown enough to keep giving him chances over backs that have been just as productive, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas.

It’s a bit of a reach, but Oakland could surely generate some tempting offers if they put McFadden on the trading block.

Detroit Lions (1-4)

The only players that really give them much of a chance to bring anything back are Calvin Johnson or Kevin Smith, and that won’t be happening.

Trade No One.

Besides, it’s hard not to like what you see in what Jim Schwartz is doing. This team isn’t merely competitive. They’ve tasted victory already this season, and they want more.

Unlike all these other panicking squads with nothing to gain this year, Detroit would be better served to just stand pat.

St. Louis Rams (0-5)

The Rams are still sticking it out with Marc Bulger, and their receiving corps isn’t quite as painful to watch as it was last season. However, what they have on offense is getting bullied around by defenses, and a change needs to be made.

Trade Steven Jackson.

He’s still an elusive wrecking-ball that can carve up defenses, but at 26, his aggressive style of play has him one bad move from a season or career-ending injury.

And since his star power hasn’t translated into many wins over the years, the Rams may be wise to just move on and get what they can before he gets smart and jumps ship himself.

Look for teams with troubles at running back like New England, Green Bay, Kansas City, and Cleveland to take interest.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5)

Tampa Bay is in a full-blown rebuilding phase, and by the looks of it, they won’t be competing any time soon. So, if possible, it might be a good idea to stock-pile some picks or add some depth to their atrocious defense.

Trade Josh Johnson and/or Antonio Bryant.

Johnson is starting to show he might have the potential to be something special, while Bryant is hindered by a lack of a great supporting cast and is getting passes thrown to him by a young quarterback.

Johnson will definitely garner some mid-round pick interest, while Bryant, even though he is coming off of a knee injury, is still good enough to help another team out.

Look for any team hurting at receiver to give the Bucs a call, and don’t be surprised if Carolina, Cleveland, and possibly even Buffalo take interest.

Tennessee Titans (0-5)

Tennessee is hurting in their secondary and can’t get anything going through the air on offense. They could try to remain competitive by trading for a receiver (Owens or Bryant?), but will likely be turning back to Vince Young within the next few weeks.

Trade Lendale White.

Last week could have been White’s “showcasing”, and with Chris Johnson clearly the guy in Tennessee, he could be shopped for some secondary help or some star power at receiver.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-5)

Matt Cassel is slowly coming along, which could mean Brodie Croyle is finally put on the market (for real), along with some other players that aren’t getting the job done.

Trade Larry Johnson and/or Brodie Croyle.

LJ doesn’t necessarily have the first step he used to, and despite facing stiff competition almost all season so far, he just isn’t doing much with his carries. That could be because of his inconsistent passing offense, an average offensive line, or just too many carries in his past catching up with him.

Some desperate team thin at running back will at least inquire about him, so look for New England, Houston, and Seattle to at least explore the option.

Also, look for Croyle to generate interest in Carolina, Buffalo, and St. Louis.

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.