Wisconsin Trade Bait: Green Bay Players Who Are Likely To Be Elsewhere in 2010

In the NFL, trades are as rare as wins for the Detroit Lions. The salary cap has been the biggest obstacle for trades because it forces teams to keep their roster's salary at a fixed budget. With no CBA extension, 2010 will become an uncapped year.

The 2010 NFL Draft is considered by many scouts to be one of the deepest classes in recent history. With the uncapped year looming, look for teams to acquire draft picks for their leaving players instead of letting them walk in free agency without compensation.

A.J. Hawk (Inside Linebacker)

Age: 26

2010 Salary: $4.1 Million (Free Agent in 2012)

Projected Trade Value: Fifth or sixth round pick

Probability of Trade: Medium

Summary: A former fifth overall pick, A.J. Hawk has not lived up to the Green Bay Packers' expectations. Hawk played as an outside linebacker in the 4-3 defense in his first three years, but only performed adequately.

The organization switched him to an ILB in the 3-4 defense, hoping he would flash big play ability. Though he had two interceptions and a sack this year, he was outplayed by Brandon Chillar, who was used more extensively in coverage.

Hawk's 2011 salary of $10 million significantly decreases his trade value, but he is less likely to be with the Packers next year if he does not take a pay cut of his $4.1 million 2010 salary.

Brady Poppinga (Outside Linebacker)

Age: 30

2010 Salary: $2.3 Million (Free agent in 2013)

Projected Trade Value: Sixth round pick

Probability of Trade: Medium

Summary: Brady Poppinga started the season as the right outside linebacker, but was later replaced by the rookie Clay Matthews. Poppinga doesn't fit the mold of an outside linebacker due to his lack of pass rushing ability (four sacks in five years).

Poppinga was given a contract extension in 2007, but does not become a free agent until 2013. Teams would be more interested in trading a late round pick for Poppinga because they wouldn't have to redo his contract if he were a free agent.

Nick Collins (Free Safety)

Age: 26

Estimated 2010 Salary: $4.4 million (highest tender for a restricted free agent)

Projected Trade Value: First and third round pick

Probability of Trade: Medium

Summary: Nick Collins has been a breakout star for the Packers the last two years. After three years with mediocre results on the field (four interceptions in three seasons), Collins snagged 13 interceptions over the past two years, as well as two Pro Bowl invitations.

Though he is a high priority to resign this offseason, another team may step in and take him away. As a restricted free agent, Green Bay could put the highest tender ($3 million) on Collins if a deal is not worked out.

If a team were to offer Collins a large contract that Green Bay could not match, the opposing team would have to forfeit a first and third round pick.

Collins' recent production would be very tempting for teams to give up draft picks, which makes it all the more necessary to resign him to a long-term deal.

Aaron Kampman (Outside Linebacker)

Age: 30

Estimated 2010 Salary: $10 million (if franchised)

Projected Trade Value: Second round pick

Probability of Trade: Very high

Summary: Before 2009, Aaron Kampman was one of the league's best pass rushers as a 4-3 defensive end. Kampman was forced to play as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense, where he played without his hand down.

His play was badly affected, as he only posted 3.5 sacks. He was very stiff in coverage, where the organization later had Kampman focus on rushing the quarterback with his hand down. He only lasted nine games before sustaining a knee injury that made him miss the remainder of the season.

Though Kampman is a phenomenal talent, he does not fit into the 3-4 defense. With many 4-3 teams needing pass rushers, Kampman will be a hot commodity. The Packers will likely put the franchise tag on him and trade him to the highest bidder. Green Bay should be able to get at least a second round pick for him.