NFLTrade Rumors: 5 Players Most Rumored to Be on the Move

The Super Bowl came and went, and now it is time for teams to rebuild and reload for 2012. There are plenty of attractive free agents, but also some men under contract that could find new homes.

The NFL is not as big of a trade machine as the NBA or MLB, but there have been some big deals that have altered the course of NFL history. Could any of these players be next on the trading block? 

Peyton Manning

One thing is certain about Peyton Manning's future: His days with the Indianapolis Colts are coming to an end. 

There have been contradicting reports about his health and we do not know if he will be able to throw a pass in 2012, or ever again. Still, there will absolutely be a market for Peyton Manning once the Colts make it official that he will not be coming back. 

The Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have already been rumored to have interest in the three-time NFL MVP. Manning will probably be released before March 8, when the Colts will owe him a $28 million signing bonus.

However, it is possible a team will swoop in and trade for him to keep him off the market and bring him straight to his new town. 

Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III has yet to throw an NFL pass, but he could be the hottest commodity in the NFL Draft. 

If a team like the Washington Redskins does not move up to the number two slot, the St. Louis Rams will probably draft the Heisman Trophy winner, then immediately trade him to a team with a top ten pick. While it is more likely that someone trades up and selects RGIII, it is not unheard of to go the other route. 

Remember Eli Manning and the San Diego Chargers eight years ago? 

Asante Samuel

The Philadelphia Eagles have serious issues on defense, and Samuel is not happy about losing his Alpha Dog cornerback status to Nnamdi Asomugha. 

The Eagles have a great No. 2 cornerback in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and should consider moving Samuel for a linebacker. It is unlikely, but imagine this trade scenario: The Eagles trade Samuel to the Pittsburgh Steelers for James Harrison. 

Again, it is unlikely, but it would be a case of both teams sacrificing some strength to bolster a weakness. 

Ben Tate

With Matt Forte and Ray Rice locked up, Ben Tate may be the most attractive running back in the offseason. 

Tate did a wonderful job as Arian Foster's backfield-mate, and filled in as the factor back while the latter battled hamstring injuries. Tate rushed for 942 yards on over five yards per carry for the season. With his explosive cutbacks and punishing style, there is one player he resembles most. 

You got it: Arian Foster, 2010's leading rusher in the NFL. 

Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall has been a controversial character since he was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

He had work ethic issues as a rookie, and lost a crucial fumble in last year's Super Bowl. This past offseason, he rattled some cages with a controversial 9/11 tweet, and followed that with a mediocre performance in the regular season. Now, he will be coming off a torn ACL, which threatens to rob him of some explosiveness. 

The Steelers said goodbye to Bruce Arians and are going to make a return to ground and pound football. Their other back, 250-pound load Isaac Redman, fits that style better than Mendenhall. Redman ran for 4.4 yards per carry on the year, compared to Mendenhall's 4.1, and was a bright spot against the Denver Broncos in the playoffs when he went off for 121 yards on just 17 carries.  

With the team over the cap and plenty of 30-something veterans, could they ship Mendenhall for some draft picks?

Alexander is a featured columnist for bleacherreport.com You can follow Alexander on twitter @thesportsdude7 or become a fan on his bleacher report profile.