NFL Trade Rumors: 5 Trades Guaranteed to Happen

You may ask why we are already thinking about NFL trades. The lockout is still happening right? Why in the world would trades even be an option right now?

Well my friends, let me be the first to tell you that even though the NFL is locked out, there are still rumors flying around a plenty.

Don’t be naïve. Just because official business can’t go on, that doesn’t mean that some unofficial “under the table” talk doesn’t take place.

Anyhow, with rumors of the lockout ending within weeks if not days, it’s time to start talking business again.

There are plenty of teams looking to hit the trade market hard once it opens up, and there are plenty of rumors that can lead us in the correct direction when trying to predict what will happen.

Two big names on the “unofficial” trading blocks are Kevin Kolb and Carson Palmer, but there are more that I foresee happening.

I may not be able to guarantee you the specific details or teams involved, but I will tell you that I know these players will be moving.

Here are five trades guaranteed to happen once the lockout lifts:

5. Jimmy Clausen

The Carolina Panthers desperately need to right some wrongs here, and a big way to do that would be to get rid of Jimmy Clausen.

I'm not saying get rid of the guy because he's bad, but he can still bring in some value that might take away the sting of drafting a quarterback two years in a row.

The Washington Redskins were apparently real high on drafting Clausen in the 2010 draft.

Rich Tandler of CSN Washington tweeted that there was "zero chance" of Washington making a move for Clausen.

The very fact that the talk is out there though leads me to believe Clausen will be moved soon.

4. Kyle Orton

Now the validity of this trade really hinges on how much the Broncos front office believes in Tim Tebow.

It is my personal opinion that they are going to live and die with him, so this makes Kyle Orton extremely valuable as trade bait.

A possible teams that could be in the running for Orton is the Seattle Seahawks. Lots of speculation has been made about that trade.

Truthfully any team looking for a quarterback could make a move here.

There are tons of openings, and if the Broncos are smart they will capitalize.

3. Carson Palmer

Even though the sentiment is that Bengals owner Mike Brown is firmly against trading Palmer, the latest news is suggesting that he now may be open to a trade.

This honestly makes the most sense for the Bengals, so I feel very good telling you that Carson Palmer will be in a new uniform soon after the new CBA is arranged.

The Bengals just drafted a new quarterback in Andy Dalton and could receive a few pieces back in return for Palmer, who still demands a good value.

He's unhappy and there is no use keeping him around just to make a point.

2. Albert Haynesworth

The Washington Redskins would be making a huge mistake if they don't do everything they can to trade away Haynesworth for at least something.

I guarantee you they don't want to eat his contract, so a trade is going to have to take place.

The latest buzz on Haynesworth is that there are a few teams still interested in him, most notably the Chicago Bears.

The Bears released Tommie Harris before the lockout, and Hayneworth is as close to Harris as you could get.

If it's not the Bears I can guarantee you Washington is going to do everything in their power to ship of Haynesworth, even if all they get back in return is a pack of bubblegum and movie tickets.

1. Kevin Kolb

Don't kid yourselves here.

Even though there has been talk and debate that the Philadelphia Eagles should keep Kevin Kolb, I can assure you that it is not a possibility.

It's interesting to think about Kolb playing the backup role just in case Mike Vick get's hurt, but all-in-all Kolb can bring back so much more for the Eagles via trade.

The Seattle Seahawks were rumored to already offer a first and third round draft pick to the Eagles for Kolb. Another team that has been linked with a possible trade has been the Arizona Cardinals.

Whatever happens, I guarantee you that Kevin Kolb will not be an Eagle for much longer.

Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AKonSports