NFL Trade Rumors: 6 Most Consistent Storylines This Offseason

Even amidst the restraints of the lockout, certain trade rumours have not gone away this offseason.  Some interesting players have been the subject of these rumours, with several high-profile names ticketed for swap deals.

Some of the players rumoured to be on the block are regarded as potential saviours for the franchises who have shown an interest, but it remains to seen just how much value there is in the trade market during an offseason as interrupted as this.  Although this has still not stopped some teams from placing a king's ransom on their tradable commodities.

As the lockout has progressed, the trade value of some players seems to have diminished.  The work stoppage could render the once highly touted trade prospects difficult to move at their team's originally desired valuation.

Here are six of the most consistent trade rumours from this offseason.

6. Carson Palmer: Trade or Retirement

It has been painfully clear from the very beginning of the offseason that Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati.  The one-time face of the AFC North franchise declared his intentions early, prefacing a trade demand with the threat of retirement unless his wish was granted.

Since then—in typical fashion—Bengals owner Mike Brown has dug his heels in and refused to allow Palmer a swift and easy exit from Cincinnati.  What has followed has been an intransigent standoff between the two determined figures.

There has been several attempts by both organisation and player to claim victory.  The most recent was Palmer selling his Cincinnati home at the end of last month.  It's easy to see Palmer having decent value on the trade market.  The 31-year-old has put up some impressive career numbers, and although the standard of his play has dipped in recent seasons, Palmer is still a game-winner.

5. Vincent Jackson

Although the San Diego Chargers slapped the franchise tag on disgruntled burner Vincent Jackson, rumours of his departure have failed to subside.

One of the league's premier deep threats, Jackson is a prime target for every receiver-needy team in the NFL.  But the Chargers' "non-exclusive" franchise tag ploy means any franchise looking to secure the services of Jackson, would be forced to part ways with at least one first-round draft choice to get him.

With such a high price required it is more likely Jackson remains in the AFC West for one final season, even though his existing deal still allows him to make contact with any potential suitors.  Jackson desires a lucrative long-term contract commensurate to his talents.  Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has so far stubbornly refused to yield.

4. Osi Umenyiora

Osi Umenyiora's unhappiness at the state of things of New York has become an annual occurrence.  In the past three seasons the star pass rusher has bemoaned his amount of playing time, the style of Giants coaches and his contract status.

Slated to turn 30 during the season, Umenyiora is after the bumper payday he feels the New York Giants owe him.  Speculation has grown in the New York press that Umenyiora could push for a trade, pointing to claims from the player that Big Blue general manager Jerry Reese indicated that Umenyiora could be dealt.

This is a trade rumour that will continue to gain momentum if the lockout is lifted.  Umenyiora's outspoken behaviour and injury concerns may make him a risk, but a player with 60 career sacks will always retain a measure of value on the trade market.

If he continues to voice his disapproval, the Giants might finally decide to cash in on Umenyiora, even if it means receiving meager consolation just to end the drama.

3. Donovan McNabb to Minnesota

The common consensus around the NFL is that as soon as league business is allowed to resume, Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan will look to offload Donovan McNabb.

Trading away a player they themselves dealt for only a year ago may seem typical of the Redskins' recent shaky history of acquiring personnel, but McNabb's situation in D.C. does appear untenable.  His spat with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan culminating in his embarrassing benching in Detroit means that player and franchise have a desire to see a trade happen.

The Minnesota Vikings have been the team most often linked with pursuing a deal for McNabb.  Even after selecting quarterback Christian Ponder with their first pick in the 2011 draft, it is still felt around the league that the Vikings would prefer a veteran under center this season.

While the Vikings remain favourites to land McNabb, trade speculation has cooled a little due to the quarterback's hefty salary for 2011.

2. Albert Haynesworth to Philadelphia

The Redskins also have a decision to make regarding another disgruntled star player.  Hulking defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth's unwillingness to adapt to the Redskins 3-4 scheme is well known.  Rumours of a trade to division rival Philadelphia have picked up speed in recent weeks.

It would no doubt be a dream move for the ultra-talented but temperamental Haynesworth.  He would get the chance to again work under his mentor Jim Washburn, who is now the defensive line coach for the Eagles.

Some have questioned whether Mike Shanahan would be willing to allow Haynesworth such a comfortable exit from the nation's capital.  One thing that is clear is the Redskins' desire to part ways with Haynesworth.  To say the troublesome defensive tackle has curtailed the team's rebuilding efforts would be a major understatement.

If Philadelphia is serious about acquiring Haynesworth, the Redskins could take advantage to drive his trade value up.  Washington seem determined to achieve a healthy measure of compensation for Haynesworth.  Still, it's hard not to wish he'd just knuckle down and give the nose tackle job a chance.

1. Kevin Kolb to the NFC West

Easily the most frequent trade rumour of the offseason, Kevin Kolb has been ordained in some quarters as the potential decisive factor in this season's NFC West battle.

The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals have long been tabbed as the two team's with the biggest interest in acquiring Kolb.  The Seahawks are the favourites to land the Eagles backup passer.  Whether or not Kolb would play such a critical role in deciding the destination of the NFC West crown remains to be seen.

Kolb has impressed in flashes for the Eagles, but should still be viewed as something of a risk as a starter.  His inexperience and poor 3-4 record as a starter are hard to ignore—as is the value the Eagles hierarchy has attached to the career understudy.

Philadelphia remains committed to receiving first-round level consideration for Kolb.  This is a high price for a player who has largely failed to convince people he can lead a team to success.