NFL Rumors: 10 Offensive Veterans Who Might Be Switching Teams This Season
Now that the Green Bay Packers have been crowned Super Bowl champions, the focus will turn to if and when a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached.
Recent news has been surprisingly optimistic, with both sides sounding confident that a deal could be reached by the Mar. 4 deadline. For much of the season, it appeared inevitable that the league would be heading for a lockout in 2011.
So while we wait and let the NFL and NFLPA reach a new deal, let’s turn our attention back on the football field.
Here are 10 NFL offensive veterans who might be switching teams this season. Some are free agents, while others are possible trade candidates.
10. Matt Hasselbeck, QB
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Hasselbeck's time in Seattle appears to be coming to an end.
Turning 36 early next season, Hasselbeck struggled for much of this season, posting a 12:17 touchdown-to-interception ratio while only completing 59.9 percent of his passes.
The Seahawks have the 25th pick in April's draft, but still are likely to select a quarterback with that pick. They could also trade up in the draft for a chance to select a player like Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert. Either way, the Seahawks will likely be content to move on without Hasselbeck.
Hasselbeck might be able to land another starting job with a team looking for a short-term solution at QB, but may have to accept a role as a backup.
9. Marc Bulger, QB
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Bulger has been slowed down by injuries and inconsistency over the past few years, but he could have something left in the tank to offer teams in need of a QB.
It wasn't too long ago that Bulger put up very impressive numbers. In 2006, while with the Rams, he threw for 4,301 yards, 24 touchdowns and a 62.9 completion percentage.
Although he is a major injury risk, Bulger would be a great buy-low candidate. The Cardinals are said to be very interested in the veteran free agent.
8. Ronnie Brown, RB
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The good news for Brown is that he played all 16 games this season, not missing a game for the first time in his career.
The bad news is that he averaged a career-worst 3.7 yards per carry while splitting carries with fellow free agent Ricky Williams. Brown will also turn 30 during the middle of next season, raising a major caution flag.
The Dolphins have talked about getting younger at the tailback position, adding a player with speed and that can get their own yards. Brown no longer fits that description, so he will likely be elsewhere in 2011.
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7. Chad Ochocinco, WR
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Ochocinco has wanted out of Cincinnati for a while now, and he may finally get his wish.
Recently, Ochocinco has taken shots at Bengals owner Mike Brown and has openly talked about playing for other teams, such as the Jets. New Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden failed to mention Ochocinco's name his press conference.
There is clearly animosity between the two sides, and if the deal is right, Cincinnati will likely grant Ochocinco his wish and trade him away.
6. Braylon Edwards, WR
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Edwards' situation is the exact opposite of Ochocinco's. He would love to remain with his team, but the Jets are unlikely to make that happen.
The Jets have many other free agents such as Santonio Holmes, David Harris and Antonio Cromartie, who they will have to sign before approaching Edwards about a new deal. There won't be that much money to go around, and Edwards will find more money elsewhere.
To his credit, Edwards was a very reliable receiver this season. He had 904 yards on 53 receptions and seemed to get over the drops that plagued him for much of his career.
5. Darren Sproles, RB
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After making $7.3 million in 2010 as the Chargers franchise tag player, Sproles will likely be moving on, and for far less money.
Sproles was a very valuable player for the Chargers this season. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and also had 59 receptions out of the backfield. He also handled return duties in the kicking game.
Still, Sproles isn't the type of player to build a team around and isn't worth the money he made last year. But he is a valuable asset, and that will make him a highly sought-after player for next season.
4. Terrell Owens, WR
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At age 37, Owens isn't slowing down.
Owens had 72 receptions for 983 yards this season for the Bengals.
Much like Ochocinco, Owens has expressed interest in playing elsewhere in 2011. The Bengals also would like to move on, so it is highly unlikely Owens will be back with the team.
Unlike Ochocinco, Owens is a free agent, so he will control his own destiny.
3. Donovan McNabb, QB
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McNabb's first year in Washington was a disaster.
Not only did he have a career-worst 14:15 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but he was also benched late in the season for backup Rex Grossman. What followed was a much publicized controversy between McNabb and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
McNabb could be traded this offseason, with Miami as a possible destination.
2. Carson Palmer, QB
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Palmer has demanded a trade out of Cincinnati, and the team could make that happen sooner than later.
The real question here is why a 31-year-old quarterback who led his team to a 4-12 record this season while throwing 20 interceptions thinks he has the right to demand a trade, but that's another story.
1. Kyle Orton, QB
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Orton started this season red-hot, but injuries slowed him down for much of the second half of the season.
Now, Orton's future in Denver is in question.
He is owed $8.9 million next season, and it remains to be seen if the Broncos will want to keep him around at that price. They have a new coach in John Fox. The key here is whether Fox and the rest of the Broncos organization feel Tim Tebow is ready to step in to the starting lineup, or does he need another year to develop.
The answer to that question will answer the question of Orton's future.
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