NFL Trade Speculation: 5 Most Costly Trade Targets on the Block

Lets get this straight from the start: I have absolutely no way of knowing what players are on the trading block and what players are not. Nobody outside of those directly involved can really know what players are available and what players are not.

However, here are five players who are in situations that make sense for them to be on the block.

Here are the five most costly trades that have genuine potential to happen once the lockout comes to a close. As you will see there are very few blockbuster deals imminent which shouldn't be a surprise because of the uncertainty of the NFL right now.

Kevin Kolb

Why it makes sense for him to be on the block:

With Michael Vick entrenched as the team's starter both Kolb and the organization haven't been shy about the fact that they want to trade Kolb while his value is high.

Cost to acquire:

Apparently the Seattle Seahawks have offered a 1st and 3rd round pick for Kolb. This will set the minimum for any team that wants to add him to the roster.

Fair/Foul?

The importance of the quarterback position in the NFL is obvious to any average football fan. The Eagles have played this situation brilliantly to create a lot of hype around Kolb. The fact that the former second round pick was the Eagles' original starter last year and Andy Reid continued to say that Kolb was competing for the starting job into the season—whether he really was or not—makes teams believe that they could be getting a franchise quarterback despite Kolb having proved little in his career.

Of course this price is totally foul, however the desperation for an elite quarterback in this league makes it fair in some eyes.

Vincent Jackson

Why it makes sense for him to be on the block:

Vincent Jackson's contract issues haven't gone away now that he is the team's franchise player for the coming season. It's unclear as to whether the Chargers will actually match his long term deal demands and Jackson has proven that he is willing to miss games. That is a situation where both sides would be losing.

Cost to acquire:

According to this report, the Chargers would be willing to consider a deal involving a second round pick and later pick to let Jackson go.

Fair/Foul?

The lack of a long term deal and what it would cost to lock Jackson up for his new team makes this a difficult price to figure out. If another team could strike a long term deal with Jackson without destroying their salary cap restrictions, then this would be great value. If Jackson's rights are traded and he is only a one year player for his franchise tag then this is obviously a waste of two good draft picks.

Unknown.

Kyle Orton

Why it makes sense for him to be on the block:

New regimes often mean new quarterbacks. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, John Fox already has his quarterback of the future waiting to step into the starting role. Tim Tebow needs to get a chance to prove that he can be a starter in this league. That chance could come this season if the Broncos get the right offer for Orton.

Cost to acquire:

The Broncos do not need to trade Orton. However the right price will make him expendable. A second round pick would make sense for both sides in any potential trade.

Fair/Foul?

Orton would be a great addition for a team with a young signal caller that needs to develop for a season or two. In the right situation Kyle Orton can be a playoff caliber quarterback. For a second round pick, a veteran leader at a crucial position is easily good value depending on what team signs him.

Fair.

Steve Smith

Why it makes sense for him to be on the block:

The Panthers will be entering a transition period with Cam Newton at quarterback. Whether Newton is a good quarterback or not is irrelevant to me because no matter what he will need time to develop. Smith doesn't have time, he is 32 years of age and desperate to win a Super Bowl ring.

Cost to acquire:

Smith could go for anything from a second round pick to a third round pick.

Fair/Foul?

This is a very similar situation to the Tony Gonzalez trade from the Chiefs to the Falcons a few seasons ago. Both sides would benefit from any potential trade so long as the draft pick is respectably high. Smith would be a great addition to a team looking to win outright now.

Fair.

Carson Palmer

Why it makes sense for him to be on the block:

Mike Brown may be resilient (read: stupid) enough not to trade Palmer should he sit out games but the only reasonable end to this saga where both sides win is a trade. Palmer has struggled in the past few seasons but new scenery often brings new motivation for players.

Cost to acquire:

A second-round pick makes sense for a team in desperate need for a quarterback. This could even jump to a first if the right situation comes along.

Fair/Foul?

It depends on the Carson Palmer that arrives to his new team. A fully healthy Carson Palmer is a very good quarterback. With the right pieces around him—unlike in Cincinnati—Palmer has the talent to lead a competing team.

Fair.

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