NFL Trade Rumors: 10 Bold Trade Predictions for the 2011 Offseason

In the NFL, trades don't take place all that often.  Most of the time, a trade is triggered by a special circumstance like a benching (see: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans; Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins) a contract dispute (see: Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers) or just because a player wants out (see Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins).

If there's football in 2011, the number of trades could be high like last offseason, when trades occurred at a higher rate than ever before because of the lack of a salary cap.  Was that just a one-time thing, or will it turn into a trend?

Here are 10 bold trade predictions that will occur in the 2011 NFL offseason:

10. Kyle Orton to the Miami Dolphins

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos runs out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Why the Denver Broncos Would Pull the Trigger

With Tim Tebow's emergence, the Broncos may not want to waste a starting caliber quarterback by just letting him rot on the bench.  While he still has value, it would be in their best interest to trade Orton and use that compensation to surround Tebow with talent.

Why the Miami Dolphins Would Pull the Trigger

Chad Henne is probably not the answer for Miami at the quarterback position in the short or long term. Orton shouldn't be seen as that franchise quarterback either, but with Tony Sparano's job on the line, he'll attempt to get as much talent behind center as possible to keep his job.

Trade Value

Third round pick

9. Vince Young to the Carolina Panthers

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by

Why the Tennessee Titans Would Pull the Trigger

Titans owner Bud Adams already announced to the world that Young would either be traded or cut.  It was either Young or Jeff Fisher, and Adams surprisingly chose Fisher.

Why the Carolina Panthers Would Pull the Trigger

Young has only one year left on his contract and could be bought for a late round pick after Adams destroyed the quarterback's trade value.  He's worth the risk. If Young fails, they can select Andrew Luck next year, but if Young, whose quarterback rating was up over 100 for much of the season, succeeds, then they've found their franchise quarterback.

Trade Value

Fifth round pick

8. Steve Smith to the Seattle Seahawks

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto Greule

Why the Carolina Panthers Would Pull the Trigger

The Panthers are obviously in a rebuilding stage and Smith isn't going to be useful by the time they get back to being a contender.  He's mentioned that he's not happy in Carolina, so with his career winding down, he may demand a trade as he's still looking for his first ring.

Why the Seattle Seahawks Would Pull the Trigger

Seattle has some quality possession targets in Mike Williams and John Carlson, but they have no one to stretch the field.  Smith plays with the fire Pete Carroll loves and for a deep threat, he'd come cheap.

Trade Value

Fourth round pick

7. DeAngelo Williams to the New England Patriots

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Why the Carolina Panthers Would Pull the Trigger

Williams has had his share of injuries and the Panthers could be fed up with relying on him.  Jonathan Stewart is talented enough to carry the load and Carolina could get solid value out of trading the former Pro Bowler.

Why the New England Patriots Would Pull the Trigger

Most of the Patriots running backs are free agents next season.  They like picking up veteran backs (See: Corey Dillon, Fred Taylor), Williams is a great talent, and Danny Woodhead is a better fit for a third down role.

Trade Value

Future third round pick that could turn into a second.

6. Tommie Harris to the Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears warms-up before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Why the Chicago Bears Would Pull the Trigger

Tommie Harris has been up and down in terms of on field production the last couple of seasons.  He's due a lot of money next year and with a spark of improved play, he now has value again.

Why the Indianapolis Colts Would Pull the Trigger

Harris is far more talented than any defensive tackle the Colts have had in years.  Harris would contribute far more right away than any rookie and Peyton Manning wants to win now.

Trade Value

Future fourth round pick that could turn into a third.

5. Jared Gaither to the Philadelphia Eagles

Why the Baltimore Ravens Would Pull the Trigger

Jared Gaither has struggled to stay on the field with back problems so the Ravens will most likely look for a replacement.  The Ravens line was solid without him anyway.

Why the Philadelphia Eagles Would Pull the Trigger

The Eagles must upgrade their offensive line.  Like a couple of years ago with Jason Peters and Stacey Andrews, the Eagles will look to acquire players with experience rather than rookies.

Trade Value

Future fourth round pick that could turn into a second.

4. Albert Haynesworth to the Minnesota Vikings

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Why the Washington Redskins Would Pull the Trigger

Albert Haynesworth has been nothing but trouble ever since he's been in a Redskins uniform.  He wants out of D.C., and with the minimal effort he gives, D.C. wants him out even more.

Why the Minnesota Vikings Would Pull the Trigger

Pat Williams has announced that he's done in Minnesota.  There were trade rumors of Haynesworth to the Vikings during the season, and now they really need a defensive tackle.

Trade Value

Future third round pick that could turn into a second 

3. Donovan McNabb to the Tennessee Titans

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Why the Washington Redskins Would Pull the Trigger

Mike Shanahan benched McNabb for the great Rex Grossman late in the season.  McNabb says he wants to be released, but the Redskins won't just throw away a second and fourth round pick.

Why the Tennessee Titans Would Pull the Trigger

Vince Young is done in Tennessee so the Titans need a new quarterback.  Jeff Fisher is in the last year of his contract and will want a proven signal caller to protect his job, not a rookie.

Trade Value

Third round pick

2. Vincent Jackson to the Washington Redskins

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Do

Why the San Diego Chargers Would Pull the Trigger

Jackson held out most of the season as his agent and the Chargers could not come to a contract agreement.  He was given the franchise tag, and if given another tag, along with another holdout, A.J. Smith may just get what he can out of a trade.

Why the Washington Redskins Would Pull the Trigger

Santana Moss was the Redskins' only solid wide receiver this season, and he's a free agent. They desperately need a receiver and were very close to trading for Jackson earlier in the year.

Trade Value

Second round pick

1. Kevin Kolb to The Arizona Cardinals

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Why the Philadelphia Eagles would pull the trigger:

The Eagles have a quarterback controversy no more after Michael Vick's MVP caliber season.  They should get value out of Kolb while they still can.

Why the Arizona Cardinals would pull the trigger:

After a horrible season, Ken Whisenhunt isn't going to wait for a rookie quarterback to develop.  Kolb fits very well into the offense and is similar to Kurt Warner in that he doesn't have the strongest arm, but he's an accurate passer.

Trade Value: Third round pick

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter or at One Yard Short.com.