NFL Rumors: Carson Palmer and the Hottest Trade Buzz Around the League

It seems as though now, more than ever, big time players are changing teams in the National Football League.

Many times a teams financial restraints and a player's contract demands force the general manager to attempt to get a return on what could be a disgruntled player in the locker room.

Just in the past few seasons we have seen the off-season trade of major difference makers such as Randy Moss, Julius Peppers, Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb, and Anquan Boldin to name a few.

Things are slightly more complicated this offseason due to the fact that the a new collective bargaining agreement is not yet in place. Until that occurs teams will be unlikely to take on expensive veterans with the possibility of a lockout looming.

That being said once a new deal comes in place (we hope), the NFL trade rumors will start to get steam.

Some players, such as Carson Palmer, will look to get their trade request honored. However with others, like Palmer's longtime teammate Chad Ochocinco, the possible trade is speculation due to contract situation and standing with their current team.

Without further delay here are some NFL players who could be wearing a different jersey in Week 1 next season.

Carson Palmer, Cincinatti Bengals

Palmer has made it quite clear that he wants his seven year tenure with the Bengals to come to a close.

Sources have confirmed that the former number one overall pick has requested a trade and if his wish is not granted he will consider retiring from the game of football.

Palmer was on the fast track to stardom before tearing his ACL and MCL in his first ever playoff game in 2005. Since then Palmer has been slowed by injuries and mediocrity.

Owner Mike Brown has already publicly dismissed the possibility of trading the two time Pro Bowl quarterback.  After all the organization has spent a lot of time and money on Palmer.

That being said if Palmer is serious about possibly retiring if he is not traded then he will leave the Bengals with little choice.

Cincinnati can not go into the draft without knowing if their franchise quarterback still wants to play football. Without a competent backup on their roster they will be forced to address the quarterback position, either through the draft or free agency.

If Palmer is dealt then quarterback needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks all are possibly landing spots.

Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins

Haynesworth id the most expensive mistake in the history of the Daniel Snyder era in Washington. After signing a seven year, 100 million contract with Washington in 2009 he has already fallen out of favor.

Haynesworth conditioning, or lack thereof, was a major concern for new coach Mike Shanahan. The two did not get off on the right foot and it seems there relationship never recovered.

When he was active his plays were limited and by the end of the season Haynesworth found himself suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.

After a career low 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks in just eight games Haynesworth and the Redskins might both be looking for a fresh start.  If that is the case dont be surprised is his former team, the Tennessee Titans, make an offer.

Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Chad Ochocinco has been a mainstay in trade rumors the past few seasons. This season the Bengals picked up Johnson's option but that does not mean he could not still be moved.

At one point several years ago the Washington Redskins were set to offer the Bengals two first round picks for the playmaking wideout. At the time the Bengals wouldn't consider the officer but now they would jump on it.

Johnson had his fair share of issues this past season. In particular he took offense to being called out by coach Marvin Lewis while he was injured.

This offseason several teams will likely place calls regarding Johnson's availability and the Bengals will be faced with tough decision.

The New England Patriots are in need of a wide receiver that can create separation and the love affair between Bill Belichick and Johnson is no secret.

The Raiders could also be a possible landing spot now that former Bengals wide receiver coach Hue Jackson is at the helm. Johnson has shown admiration for his former coach and Jackson has called Johnson a "son."

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans

Trading Young is not so much a rumor as it is a certainty.  His public dispute with Jeff Fisher forced owner Bud Adams to choose between his inconsistent quarterback and his rock solid head coach.

Needless to say this was a very easy decision and it will result in the end of the Vince Young era for the Titans.

Once upon a time Young was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and seemed to be the future of the organization. Since then Young has struggled to gain Fisher's trust as the starting quarterback due to injuries and inconsistency.

This all came to a climax during Week 11 when Young threw his shoulder pads in the stands and left the locker room after a disagreement with Fisher.

Young will definitely be on the move this offseason, the only question is where he will land.

Some plausible destinations include the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have a new coach and the number one pick in the draft so could very well go into rebuilding mode.

If the Panthers do choose to select a quarterback, such as Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Smith might not want to be part of the growing pains.

At 31 years old and with his playing days numbered, Smith may choose to force a move to a contender. The Panthers would likely seriously consider this request as he has been known to have a short fuse and not be the best teammate.

He is not the explosive threat that he once was and has not had a 1,000 yard season or 100 catches since 2008. That being said Smith has not had the best quarterbacks throwing to him either.

If Smith was paired with a capable signal caller, such as New England's Tom Brady, he could show that he still has something left in the tank.

Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles

Following the Eagles playoff exit Kolb made it clear that he wanted a trade so that he could have a chance to be a starting quarterback. He will be 27 entering next season and understandably does not want to see his window of opportunity close.

The Eagles organization is skeptical to deal Kolb with the injury prone Michael Vick likely missing several games each season.

They have set the asking price at two 1st round picks for Kolb will surely not team around the NFL will meet.

However for a player like Kolb, who has never been a locker room problem and always said the right thing through adversity, the Eagles may choose to honor their request.

The Eagles would then have to address the most used backup quarterback position in the league, but it would give a class act a chance to chase his dream.

If he goes on the block Kolb will draw interest from the typical quarterback needy teams in Minnesota, San Francisco, Arizona, and Seattle.

Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins

McNabb is another Redskin who quickly fell out of favor under the new Shanahan regime.

He was embarrassingly pulled during a close game for Rex Gromssan. From there McNabb's days in Washington habe been numbered.

Though the Redskins signed him to an extension they have an out clause and it does not necessarily mean they are committed to McNabb in the future.

McNabb could possibly fill a similar role that Brett Favre did for a veteran Minnesota Vikings team. He is the type of player who could step in and instantly make them a Superbowl contender.

Mcnabb will need to improve on his career low passer rating in 2010, but don't be surprised if you hear his name being shopped around before the draft.

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants

Jacobs has been a bruiser for the Giants since 2005 but his time in New York could be coming to a close.

This past season he grew increasingly frustrated as the backup to Ahmad Bradshaw. Due to Bradshaw's fumbling woes Jacobs was able to still earn carries but his role in the offense is definitely diminishing.

Jacobs could still likely cost a solid draft pick to acquire as he can handle a full load of carries and is still capable of getting the ball to paydirt.

He has averaged over eight touchdowns per season for his career which is something that can not be undervalued.

The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals are teams that could be interested if their own free agent running backs depart in the offseason.

Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers

Many Chargers fans thought they would have a running back that eclipsed 1,000 total yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010. However, they did not think that running back would be the three year veteran Mike Tolbert.

With first round pick Ryan Mathews set to take over for LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego thought they had the answer. However, Mathews battled injuries all season and was never able to get into a rhythm.

Tolbert, undrafted out of Coastal Carolina, carried the load and also showcased his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He scored 11 touchdowns and was excellent in short yardage situations.

Mathews showcased his first round talent in Week 17 when he rushed for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. This may be enough to convince the Chargers to ship out Tolbert and hand the fulltime gig to the up and coming Mathews.

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Many may be surprised to see Fitzgerald on this list and admittedly it may be a stretch. But Fitzgerald is in the midst of a serious contract negotiation and his team is in rebuilding mode.

With or without Fitzgerald they likely will not be contenders for several years as they help build a quarterback obtained through the draft.

This could all change if the Cardinals sign a verteran quarterback, but if not do not be surprised if teams check on his availablity.

One interesting scenario could come from New England who has 3 of the top 33 picks. If they come to the Cardinals, who have many holes to fill, with a package of high picks it could be too much to pass up.