NFL Rumors: Trade Buzz Surrounding Curtis Lofton and Marcus Mariota

NFL fans typically need not bother with trade rumors. More than any other major sport, most significant transactions occur through free agency rather than blockbuster exchanges.

That's why the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly shipping star running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso caught everyone by surprise. NFL deals usually involve an unwanted player getting swapped for a draft pick or two—not an even switch of two valuable commodities.

Will lightning strike twice? Yes and no. A more traditional trade occurred on Friday morning, when the Chicago Bears sent Brandon Marshall packing to the New York Jets, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, the Jets won't have to forfeit a significant contributor to land the 30-year-old wide receiver:

What could be next on the radar during an already busy offseason? Let's start with one of the teams who sent shockwaves across the NFL.

Eagles Still Eyeing Marcus Mariota

After acquiring an Oregon alum in Alonso, Chip Kelly's affinity for his old stomping grounds has become a running joke. The Philadelphia Inquirer pounced on the former Ducks coach after the Eagles landed their ninth Oregon byproduct:

It's no secret Kelly would love to add a 10th on draft day. He needs a quarterback to run his uptempo offense, and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has experience operating his system.

Speculation of the Eagles trading up to land the prized quarterback has flowed for months, showing no signs of halting any time soon. According to the The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane, Kelly remains in hot pursuit of the young passer.

"Rumblings that the Eagles coach will do whatever it takes to get Mariota persist," McLane wrote, "and some sources around the league believe a trade with one of the teams with a high draft pick could be on the horizon."

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This will be no easy task. Philadelphia picks No. 20, and Mariota likely won't fall anywhere past the New York Jets at No. 6. In fact, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers making him the first name announced can't be written off.

Leaping 15 or more spots would cost a significant sum for Philadelphia, who missed the playoffs due to a late three-game losing streak. Kelly clearly isn't afraid of making a bold move, and there's certainly no better landing spot for Mariota.

Saints Shopping Curtis Lofton

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Entering 2014 as Super Bowl contenders, the New Orleans Saints failed to win one of the worst divisions in the history of professional sports. They can blame their No. 31-ranked defense that allowed 384 total yards per game.

Hence the surprise from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, who reported that the team is exploring deals for linebacker Curtis Lofton:

The 28-year-old has proved a reliable stalwart in an otherwise dysfunctional unit. In three years with the Saints, he has collected 393 tackles, leading the club every season. If the team parts ways with Lofton, it won't be for performance reasons.

As noted by The Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan, the franchise faces some difficult financial decisions, making Lofton a luxury it will struggle to afford:

According to Spotrac, the Saints are currently over the salary cap by about $19.35 million, taking into account estimated contracts for draft signings. Lofton will inflict a $9.5 million cap hit during the 2015 season.

That makes him the second-costliest defender behind Junior Galette, who is also for sale according to 95.7 The Game host John Middlekauff:

Ransacking the Saints' weak spot is a tough choice, but the defense can't get much worse without Lofton and/or Galette.