10 NFL Stars in Their Prime Who Will Be Traded Before 2013

They have had moments of brilliance this season or have been a star in the not too distant past.

For these NFL stars, it is all about the right fit and the right place to showcase their talents.

No, I am not talking about taking their abilities to South Beach or L.A. or someplace where glitz and glamour mean everything to an athlete.

There are some teams that nay have to trade these players because they would bring value to other teams, earn draft picks and lessen the salary cap.

But these players (and there are others) may garner attention in the next year from teams who may need help reaching the playoffs or just need to fill positions of value.

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars

He is one year removed from a Pro Bowl season and one could argue he was hurt by not having an true offseason, a rookie quarterback and a head coach under fire.

Lewis could be the best tight end in the NFL if he puts his mind to it, and his blocking is some of the best at his position.

If he plays well next season, with the emergence of Zack Potter as a good backup, Lewis could be the talk of trades to teams that need a big red zone target.

TJ Yates, Houston Texans

I cannot see his talents sitting on an NFL bench.

He probably goes into the 2012 the second quarterback in Houston behind Matt Schaub, but Yates has proven he can start in this league.

If Yates is not traded in the offseason, he could garner attention again in 2012-13 when there is an injury or a team cannot stand their starter's performance and has fallen out of the playoff race.

Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

The two tight end combination along with Rob Gronkowski is pretty good and has Tom Brady smiling.

But can the two coexist forever?

If Hernandez is traded, he could be "the" man in a passing game like Antonio Gates. And while he is still an important part of the Patriots offense, he would still garner first- or second-round draft choices in a trade to some team that needs speed and good hands.

PJ Hillis, Cleveland Browns

This may happen in the offseason.

Hillis is a good dependable runner and looks like a throwback from NFL years past.

Could he be an option for a team needed a solid backup or starter (Detroit, Arizona) that can pound the ball through the line?

He was injured this year and drew a lot of controversy for not playing in a game due to strep throat. A new team may do him and the Browns some good.

LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Blount did not have the impact this season he did last.

But the Bucs were not the same team this year as last.

If the team takes Trent Richardson at the fifth pick in the draft, then this makes Blount expendable, and we know a big powerful back with speed in the NFL is a value to have.

He could be a very big addition to a team needed a strong back for the playoff run.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

He has had a remarkable season, but the team drafted a quarterback in the second round this past season (Colin Kaepernick).

Can the two coexist?

This could turn out to be a Drew Brees/Philip Rivers situation like in San Diego. At some point Kaepernick needs to show what he can do.

If Smith does not stay with the 49ers, then he will be traded to a team that could value his arm and his running ability.

Roy Helu, Washington Redskins

Helu filled in at running back and proved to be a great receiver as well.

He did everything that was asked of him. But what happens if Trent Richardson is sitting at the sixth slot in the draft, and the Redskins pounce on him?

Helu becomes expendable.

And in the NFL, backs who can run north and south and catch are a valuable commodity.

Fred Jackson or CJ Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Either one of these backs could strike some interest in a trade.

Both are fast dependable and know how to catch a pass. Jackson was the starter until he broke a leg and then Spiller came in and looked pretty good with the ball.

If a team loses a starter or needs someone to help get them to the playoffs, then Buffalo may be targeted as a team to look at for someone who fits those needs.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

I believe Tebow will either be traded out of the league within the next three seasons.

That said, Tebow had a decent "first" season, willed his team to overtime and last-minute victories, and looked at times like a quarterback lost on the field.

Then you saw his heroics and wondered how you could keep him off the field.

So could also argue that team president John Elway's first season in 1983 was not a Hall of Fame season.

Tebow needs to work on his mechanics and needs some seasoning. If he is not the right fit for Denver, some team will trade for him.