NFL Trade Speculation: Ranking the NFL's Most Tempting Trade Targets

The NFL soap opera, netter known as the "offseason," is beginning to take shape, so it's necessary to compile a ranking of the best trade targets.

Rarely do teams part with a star through a franchise-changing trade, but that won't stop the speculation from swirling around the following players.

While some trade scenarios require a gamble that would make Charles Barkley blush, others make sense for both partners.

Every general manager needs a plan, so feel free to forward this along to your favorite team. Or to your most hated.

Honorable Mention: Robert Griffin III

The NFL draft gains more attention with each rendition. This year, two franchise quarterbacks will keep fans and pundits buzzing until Roger Goodell takes the stage.

Andrew Luck is locked in at the No. 1 spot with the Indianapolis Colts, but possibilities abound for Robert Griffin III.

The St. Louis Rams have invested too much in the hyper-talented Sam Bradford to change directions at signal-caller. Thus, the Rams' phone will be constantly ringing until their selection is submitted.

RG3 has the most potential of all the trade targets despite not playing a single down in the NFL. Therefore, his status as an unknown quantity will keep him out of the actual rankings for the time being. 

5. Chicago Bears Linebacker Lance Briggs

Lance Briggs requested a trade before the season began, and he has not withdrawn that demand.

The 31-year-old is a reliable run-stuffer who can drop in coverage. Throughout his nine-year career, Briggs has accumulated an impressive 13 interceptions.

He is also extremely durable. Out of a possible 144 games, Briggs has missed four. 

His pass-rushing skills are a question mark since the Bears never utilized him in that role.

However, Briggs can still be an above-average defender for another few years. The Philadelphia Eagles would be an intriguing destination if the cap number works out.

4. Green Bay Packers Quarterback Matt Flynn

Similar to Robert Griffin III, there's a concern about the unknown surrounding Matt Flynn. Unlike the former Baylor passer, Flynn has torched NFL secondaries in his limited appearances.

Peter King discussed the possibility that the Green Bay Packers franchise Aaron Rodgers' backup in order to get some value as opposed to letting him walk.

Flynn definitely has value, but that is a huge risk for the Packers to take. 

Franchise quarterbacks are few and far between. The Miami Dolphins would have to genuinely consider giving up at least a third-round pick for the ability to sign Flynn.

The last time Flynn started a game, he put up a quarterback rating of 136.4. Regardless of your though on that certain statistic, such a high number demonstrates his potential.

3. New York Jets Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes

The opportunity for the New York Jets to unload the sometimes-turbulent star wideout has probably passed.

The Jets paid Santonio Holmes a healthy $7.5 million bonus a couple weeks ago, likely securing his services for at least another year.

However, stranger events have unfolded in the past, so he will still be included.

Holmes's isn't a chain-mover, but he has a knack for making game-turning plays. His big-play ability keeps defenses from focusing too deeply on any other offensive threat.

His average slipped considerably in 2011. Yet Holmes is just entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. 

Any team with strong veteran leadership would be wise to scoop up the malcontent game-breaker.

2. Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback Asante Samuel

Asante Samuel plays a premium position in a pass-happy league. Thus, there is constant buzz regarding his next employer.

Samuel has the ability to fit into most schemes. However, his skills are best complemented by a zone-heavy scheme.

He is an adequate tackler, but his real value is in forcing turnovers. In 2010, he had seven interceptions and recovered a fumble in only 11 games.

The Philadelphia Eagles are loaded at cornerback with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Out of all possible trades contained, this one is most likely to happen. 

1. Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall may be the most naturally talented wide receiver in the league. He and Calvin Johnson exhibit many of the same qualities. 

At 6'4" and 230 pounds, Marshall is simply too big for most NFL corners to handle. His 37-inch vertical allows him to choose between muscling a defensive back and simply out-jumping him.

The Miami Dolphins started Matt Moore, Chad Henne and J.P. Losman at quarterback this past season. Despite the lack of a legitimate passer, Marshall still racked up over 1,200 yards.

In addition, he had 20 plays with 20-plus yard receptions, perfectly demonstrating that his deep-ball ability is second to none.

The Dolphins could use a quarterback, and the St. Louis Rams could use a receiver. A trade involving the No. 2 overall pick and Marshall may make a lot of sense for both teams.