NFL Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz of the 2012 NFL Offseason

Trade rumors abound as NFL fans focus their attention toward the NFL draft in April.

Of the four major sports, trades are rarest in the National Football League due to the importance of the draft and salary cap restrictions.

However, there are rumblings involving certain teams looking to move up in the draft and/or solidify their rosters via big-name acquisitions.

Does Peyton Manning ring a bell?

Here is the latest buzz surrounding NFL trade talks. 

Robert Griffin III

Franchise quarterbacks are hard to come by in the NFL.

As such, teams will be fighting hard to acquire the valuable No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Having that selection ensures the services of a future star in the NFL in Robert Griffin III.

Of course, no player is a lock. But, the production and measurable credentials are all there. 

Griffin completed 72 percent of his passes during his senior season, and did so going deep by averaging over 10 yards per completion.

Athletically, Griffin is equally as gifted as 2011 breakout star Cam Newton. At this point, Griffin is more polished as a passer than Newton was and will have a full offseason to learn the intricacies of NFL offenses.

That's why trade talks surrounding the No. 2 pick are so loud. NFL lead writer Matt Miller has the Redskins trading a 2012 first-round pick, second-round pick and 2013 first-rounder to get the No. 2 pick.

A proper price to pay for a potential franchise-changing signal-caller. 

Peyton Manning

The biggest offseason story that will unfold in 2012 is Peyton Manning.

At this point, all signs point to Manning departing the Indianapolis Colts and moving on to a new home.

The question is where?

The favorites to land Manning are the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks.

Other contenders to watch are the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and the Kansas Chiefs.

Featured columnist Chelena Goldman listed the favorites here.

My prediction is that Manning ends up with the Dolphins based on their current quarterback situation and explosive offensive talent. 

Santonio Holmes

It is no secret that Santonio Holmes doesn't fit neatly into the New York Jets locker room.

With each passing day it looks more like it's time for the Jets to cut bait with the talented, but divisive wide receiver.

Given the aging roster that New York possesses, it would behoove Rex Ryan and company to seek a couple mid-round picks or a second-round pick for Holmes.

In the right situation, Holmes could return to his Super Bowl-winning form and significantly help a team's passing attack. 

Asante Samuel

The 2012 offseason is an ideal opportunity for the over-scrutinized Philadelphia Eagles to fix a deficit by eliminating a surplus.

The Eagles have three top corners in Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel.

Samuel has made clear his unhappiness with the Philadelphia organization in the past. A change in scenery would be best for him and the Eagles' organization.

With the compensation in return, Philadelphia could get draft picks to fill holes at linebacker or on the offensive line.