NFL Trade Odds for 9 Biggest Names on the Block

Let's take a look at the trade odds for the best NFL players currently up on the block for auction.

The period between the combine and the NFL draft is the most hectic time of year for NFL front offices. Teams are desperate to make the most out of their opportunities.

These players are proven commodities in this league, and teams could become persuaded to make deals to acquire their services.

As much as we all love and appreciate players who remain on one team for their entire career, it rarely happens anymore.

So who will be playing for another team in 2012?

Alphonso Smith, Detroit Lions

NFL.com's Jason La Canfora recently reported that the Detroit Lions have put Alphonso Smith up on the trading block and have shopped him to at least one team.

Smith and the Detroit Lions entire secondary came under fire after getting torched by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs. 

Smith's response wasn't exactly the wisest one he could have given: "Before you say anything crazy or ignorant please know your 'coverages' first just a friendly reminder!!! now fire away!!!"

I'm positive that wasn't what Lions fans wanted to hear. Seems like the front office didn't like it too much either.

Smith isn't the tightest cover man in the league, but he has brought down eight interceptions in the league the last two years, and I'm betting the Lions will find someone willing to part with a mid- to late-round pick for his services.

Odds: 3:1

Shawntae Spencer, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers won't be bringing back Shawntae Spencer in 2012, as he was set to earn $3.3 million.

They have granted him permission to seek a trade, and according to Matt Maiocco of csnbayarea.com, the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams are among the teams that might be interested.

Spencer is 30 years old, and his best years may be behind him. He has had some good seasons in the past, but it seems as if the 49ers aren't convinced he has much to offer going forward.

I'm not sure if there is much demand for Spencer as a trade prospect. My guess is that he will eventually get cut by the 49ers and sign for much less as a free agent somewhere else.

Odds: 20:1

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants

Osi Umenyiora has already embraced the idea that the New York Giants could trade him for 2012, saying:

"

I can see where they would keep me, I can see where they would trade me, because it makes sense both ways. So hopefully things will work out in my interest. I know the team is going to do what’s best for them. They’ve always made the right decisions for that organization. Whether that’s keeping me or trading me, I’d love to stay, but at the end of the day I understand it’s a business and hopefully things will work out.

"

It isn't the first time the "T-word" has been used between Umenyiora and the Giants. He demanded a trade before the 2011 season while he tried getting the team to give him more money. Things got so bad Umenyiora said he never wanted to talk to general manager Jerry Reese again.

A recent report from The Record suggests things aren't as tenuous nowadays, however. According to the report, Reese said:

"

I think that was overblown a little bit about how unhappy he was. I think he said that too. ... People thought it was much more contentious than it was. I don't think it was that contentious at all. He and I had some great talks and he understands it's a business for us. We understand it's a business for him. So hopefully things will work out.

"

I can't help but think we are going to see the same man wearing No. 72 in Big Blue next year. 

Odds: 15:1

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles recently slapped the franchise tag on DeSean Jackson, securing his services for 2012.

This wasn't exactly surprising, as there had been many previous reports stating the Eagles were intending to do it all along. Along with those reports was this reasoning: They weren't going to get anything in return for Jackson.

Jackson's statement after the news of the franchise tag gives me reason to believe he isn't going anywhere, however:

"

I am honored that the Philadelphia Eagles organization perceives me as a franchise player. I look forward to getting a long-term deal done soon and being an Eagle for many years to come.

"

Further evidence for believing he's going to stay in Philly comes from general manager Howie Roseman himself, who said:

"

We want DeSean to be an Eagle for the long haul and this is a step in the right direction to accomplish that. ... DeSean is a talented player and a proven playmaker in this league and we look forward to him continuing his career in Philadelphia.

It's our understanding that he has the same desire. We will continue our efforts on getting a long-term deal done with him.

"

Sounds like they are making nice after a long, disappointing 2011.

Odds: 15:1

Bart Scott, New York Jets

The New York Jets have recently given veteran middle linebacker Bart Scott permission to seek a trade. 

Scott's agent recently shed some light on the reason for the request, saying Scott was "extremely frustrated" and that it was "destroying him" to be utilized so little by the Jets in 2011.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was recently asked about the situation. He took the high road, saying:

"

We’ll see what we can work out with Bart either being here or not. We’re not in a bad position. ... He had some issues during the season that we’re trying to address, and we appreciate his passion.

"

I doubt Scott will remain in New York. His $4.2 million salary is over his current value.

That being said, I don't see the Jets finding a trade partner willing to take on the burden either.

Odds: 20:1

Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles

It all started in twitterverse on a Saturday night. Asante Samuel was tweeting away when he dropped this bomb:

"

If they trade me where would you guys like to see me go????

"

"— Asante Samuel (@Thepresidentcb) February 18, 2012"

Only a few days later, CSN Philly's Reuben Frank posted a column stating:

"

With the NFL salary cap expected to decrease in 2012 and the Eagles looking for ways to create salary cap room, Samuel’s $9.4 million base salary and $10.5 million cap number in 2012 could very well guarantee his departure from Philly.

"

Samuel is a top-tier corner in a zone scheme. He is a bit of a gambler, but he has fantastic instincts and could be a big-time contributor for the right team. 

All indications point to the Eagles and Samuel parting ways in 2012. The question still remains: Will he be traded?

Odds: 6:1

Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears

Briggs has already demanded to be traded before. He wants a new contract, and he hasn't been shy about letting the Chicago Bears front office know all about it.

The Bears didn't budge the last time he wanted more money, but it might be time to get rid of the headache before it starts, according to NBC Chicago reporter Ben Bowman:

"

Look at a team like New England. Somehow, they're in the Super Bowl, but their defense is completely suspect. They're loaded with draft picks and Briggs could help them immensely. A team could squeeze maybe three more quality years out of Briggs. So if the Bears deal him to a contender who needs help today, the rewards down the road could be rich.

"

I'm not sure what is going to happen with Briggs in 2012, but I do think the Bears should consider the idea of getting something for the future by dealing him now.

Odds: 10:1

St. Louis Rams No. 2 Draft Pick (Robert Griffin III)

Though technically not in the NFL just yet, for all intents and purposes the St. Louis Rams currently have Robert Griffin III up on the trading block.

There is a nearly unprecedented level of interest in this pick.

Several NFL teams have approached the Rams about acquiring the pick, but the three that have been the most consistently mentioned are the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins.

The latest news has the Redskins and Browns whining about the price tag, but it is more than likely just hot air. Teams desperately want to land this talented young man, and I am convinced a deal will get done well before the draft begins on April 26, 2012.

Odds: 1:1

Peyton Manning, Quarterback

The odds of Peyton Manning on a team besides the Indianapolis Colts: 2:1

The odds of Manning getting traded to another team: 1,000:1

Manning isn't getting traded.

"

Whatever decision on Manning, one that will NOT happen: A trade. Irsay will never trade Manning. Release? That's a medical issue, for now.                      

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 8, 2012

"

Jim Irsay needs to make up his mind...the clock is ticking.

Follow @JesseReed78