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Written by: Nicholas Mullick Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mullick-354076184/
Twitter: @nicholasmullick
Now before I start this article, I have to say Lynn Bowden has had a strange beginning to his NFL Career. He was originally drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 3rd Round, 80th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and they were going to utilize him as an RB/WR hybrid player. Well, that never came to be as Bowden never played a snap for them as he was shipped off in a trade to Miami for a 2021 4th and 6th Round pick. By the way, the picks turned into DE/EDGE Jordan Smith (4th Rounder) and Marquez Stevenson (6th Round Pick).
Getting to Miami was just super weird to begin with and he has not been great in Miami but has been valuable on special teams. But with the additions of Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson, Mohamad Sanu, and Erik Ezukanma, Bowden’s time with Miami was easily in jeopardy along with others. For Bowden, this is taking a ton of his snaps on special teams as Wilson, Sanu, Ezukanma, and Hill have value on special teams along with on offense. Bowden does not, and it is not a surprise with his name being mentioned in trade talks. So this got me wondering what teams could be interested in Bowden and I have a few in mind.
5. Atlanta Falcons
Many wonder why I have the Falcons listed lower on here with their clear need at wide receiver. Well, the Falcons don’t really need special teams help due to Cordarrelle Patterson and Olamide Zaccheaus being on the team. But maybe with more opportunities, Bowden could improve offensively in Atlanta.
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals could be a sleeper team to acquire Bowden. Mainly because the Cardinals could avoid overworking Rondale Moore who could have a big role on this team for the first few weeks. It might be best to not overwork him, by limiting his special teams involvement. I can see the Cardinals acquiring Bowden on a buy-low deal and use him while Hopkins concludes his suspension and Brown gets healthier or has to deal with a suspension for the speeding incident.
3. Tennessee Titans
Excluding Robert Woods, as of now, the Titans don’t have a trustworthy receiver. Treylon Burks has struggled recently and needs more time to develop. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is solid, but not a great receiver. Besides them, the Titans don’t have much depth at wide receiver, plus the Titans could utilize Bowden on special teams as well which could help improve. According to Lineups.com, the Titans were ranked 28th on special teams and Bowden could be someone to help improve it.
2. Chicago Bears
Like I said in the Preston Williams trade destination article, acquiring N’Keal Harry is not going to plan due to him dealing with a severe ankle issue. I am still perplexed with what the Chicago Bears are doing and they need to surround Fields with receivers. They failed to do so and went with cheap options for Fields to utilize. Adding Bowden could help as many receivers could be utilized in a rotational role. Worse for worse Bowden can be a piece on special teams for the Bears.
1. Cleveland Browns
With Jakeem Grant recently going down with a serious injury, the Browns need to get a replacement for him, especially on special teams. Bowden can be that player as that is where his value is. He could be a solid option for Brissett to throw to as well. Bowden is not great on offense, but with a change of scenery could help with him being a better fit in that system.
Now the question is: Do I believe the Dolphins will trade WR Lynn Bowden?
I think the Dolphins will try to get something for Bowden as his roster spot is not safe. I doubt Bowden makes the roster with news of the Dolphins having trade talks with his name mentioned including Preston Williams. But it will be something to keep an eye on for the next few weeks.
What do I believe Lynn Bowden's value is?
Definitely, a late-round pick as Bowden is more valuable on special teams, than on offense. I could see a team give up a conditional 7th-round pick to give Bowden another shot on their team. But that is all I see Bowden going for value-wise as teams could wait until the final cut day to calm him via waivers.