NFL Trade Speculation: 15 Players Likely to Be Dealt During Training Camp
It is inevitable that some players will no longer be needed by their teams. Football is a job and just like any other job, sometimes your time just runs out with one company. Sometimes it's just time to move on, or in the case of football, be forced to move on.
Some players are desired more than other players, but every team has needs that could be filled through trades. What is one man's trash is another man's treasure, or something like that.
Let's look at 15 players that are likely to be traded during training camp. Although there is no specific order to these players, I have included the probability of the player being traded.
Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
1 of 15
Brandon Jacobs is a powerful running back who has lost carries in recent seasons to Ahmad Bradshaw in New York. He has the mentality to run over defenders rather than trying to outrun them or fake them out. He is great in the red zone and has a talent for getting into the end zone.
Jacobs had back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons only two years ago. He began to split carries with Bradshaw, as Bradshaw is a speedier back. This upset Jacobs and he started losing Bradshaw.
Jacobs proved to still have what it takes, averaging over five yards per carry last season. He could certainly help a team short on running backs.
Probability of a trade: 70 percent
Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals
2 of 15
At one point in his career, Chad Johnson was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Then he changed his name to Chad Ochocinco and has struggled ever since.
Ochocinco became more concerned about the media and showboating than he did about the game. He started doing reality television and even persuaded Terrell Owens to come play in Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted A.J. Green with the fourth overall pick and that seemed to signal the end of Ochocinco as a Bengal.
Ochocinco's numbers have been drastically down in recent years, but many believe he still has a few good years left in him. He is 33 years old, but still has good speed and can make plays in the open field. He will need to figure out how to be a team player rather than a superstar, as those years are behind him.
Probability of a trade: 85 percent
Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
3 of 15
Willis McGahee was surprisingly drafted in the first round after a horrendous injury at the University of Miami. He played well in Buffalo and moved to the Ravens to help as Jamaal Lewis aged. He struggled with injuries in Baltimore, eventually opening the door for Ray Rice to take the starting job from him.
McGahee has a nice blend of speed and power. He has good field vision and the ability to make people miss in the open field. Durability is still a major concern for McGahee.
McGahee will be on the wrong side of 30 during the upcoming season, a scary age for running backs these days. While he hasn't carried the full running load in three years, age is still a factor for McGahee. The best move for him would be to find a team where he can split carries with another back.
Probability of a trade: 65 percent
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Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins
4 of 15
Haynesworth is considered one of the worst free agent signings in NFL history. He got a huge payday from the Redskins and hasn't lived up to a single penny of it.
Haynesworth has had trouble staying in shape while in Washington. He hasn't been able to finish workouts and has barely seen the field. He has major character concerns and needs an attitude adjustment badly.
However, Haynesworth is only two years removed from being the most sought after free agent. He dominated in Tennessee and some feel that he is still capable of that type of play. Haynesworth is a huge body who can take on double teams and penetrate into the backfield. If he can get motivated with a new team, he could still be a valuable player.
Probability of a trade: 90 percent
Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
5 of 15
Vince Young is one of the most athletically talented quarterbacks to ever play the game. Unfortunately, he is extremely immature and has trouble taking criticism.
We are all aware of how Young dealt with being benched a few years ago. We are also aware of how Young has the ability to take over games.
Vince Young is a winner who knows how to get the job done. He is a great play maker, but leaves something to be desired as a true passer. He can make short to intermediate throws, but is inaccurate on the long ball. He is at his best when a play breaks down and his natural instincts come into play.
Young will need to go to a team and a head coach that will treat him carefully. There is no doubting the immense talent that Young has, but it comes with maturity issues. If a coach could keep Young level headed, he could tap into some impressive skills with Young.
Probability of a trade: 100 percent
Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles
6 of 15
Kolb was handed the reigns of Philadelphia's offense when Donovan McNabb was traded to the Redskins. Kolb got injured, was replaced by Michael Vick and never had a chance as the starting quarterback in Philly again.
It is unfortunate for Kolb that Vick came out of nowhere to become an MVP caliber quarterback. Kolb was being hailed as the future for the Eagles.
Kolb has a huge arm and can make any throw with good accuracy. He is still young, so he still has some learning to do. He has intangibles and the willingness to do what is necessary for his team. There are plenty of teams that will be looking to make a move for a player like Kolb.
Probability of a trade: 100 percent
Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
7 of 15
Houston Texans fans were disappointed when their team drafted Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. Williams has been to multiple Pro Bowls and been selected twice to the All-Pro team. Reggie Bush has....well, dated Kim Kardashian.
Reggie Bush has yet to live up to the expectations placed upon him coming out of USC. He was supposed to be an unstoppable play maker. He was supposed to dazzle us with amazing plays in the open field. He was supposed to make everyone miss on his way to becoming the best running back in the league. He was supposed to get the ball and teleport into the end zone. Just kidding, teleportion isn't real yet.
While Bush hasn't been incredible, he has been steady and proved to be valuable in numerous facets of the game. He can run, he can catch and he is dangerous in the return game. He needs to stop getting injured so often, but he would still be valuable to many teams.
Probability of a trade: 75 percent
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
8 of 15
Carson Palmer is another player who hasn't quite lived up to being a top overall draft pick. He has had a solid career, but has nothing to show for it.
Palmer made headlines in the offseason when he threatened retirement if he wasn't traded. No one knew if the Bengals were going to give into his demands. After drafting Andy Dalton in the second-round, it is pretty clear that Carson is on his way out of Cincinnati.
Palmer has struggled in recent years, but still has what it takes to start in the NFL. He is a smart quarterback and a proven leader on the field. He has a great arm and has the ability to beat the best secondaries in the league. He will be 32 at the end of the season, but still has the talent to be a starting quarterback.
Probability of a trade: 100 percent
Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
9 of 15
Marion Barber was going to be the star of Dallas' backfield. At least that is what the Cowboys thought when they got rid of Julius Jones and gave the full responsibility to Barber.
Barber never quite performed like many expected him as the premier running back in the Cowboys offense. He was eventually replaced as the top running back by Felix Jones. The Cowboys even went as far as drafting DeMarco Murray from Oklahoma.
Marion Barber is an extremely physical running back. He is difficult for defensive players to bring down and he is constantly breaking tackles. He has a nose for the end zone and is nearly unstoppable at the goal line. He still could be a very good third down and red zone type running back for a team.
Probability of a trade: 90 percent
Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
10 of 15
Steve Smith was the best receiver in the NFL six years ago. Following the 2005-2006 season, Smith rattled off three more 1,000 yard receiving seasons.
Since then, Smith's production has been on the decline. He struggled with injuries last season, amassing only 554 yards and two touchdowns. Of course, that production could be due to the terrible quarterback play in Carolina last year.
When at the top of his game, Smith is an extremely dangerous receiver. He isn't afraid to take a hit to make a catch. He has great hands, good speed off the line of scrimmage and is an extremely talented vertical threat. He still has some years left on his motor and should instantly improve any teams receiving group.
Probability of a trade: 60 percent
Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
11 of 15
You got to feel bad for Kyle Orton. He has been a serviceable starter in Chicago and Denver, but he can't get any love.
Orton was thrown into the Bears starting line-up as a rookie when Rex Grossman went down with an injury. He led the Bears to the playoffs only to get benched in favor of Grossman. He worked his way back to the top of the depth chart a few years later only to get traded to Denver for Jay Cutler. He was having a career year in Denver only to get replaced by rookie Tim Tebow. You got to feel bad for this guy.
Orton is a dependable starter who won't impress you with his arm strength or athletic ability. He is accurate, intelligent and knows how to win. He is a coachable player who takes pride in the game of football. He will definitely be starting for another team next year.
Probability of a trade: 100 percent
Nick Barnett, Green Bay Packers
12 of 15
Nick Barnett was the anchor for the Packers for numerous years. He was the defensive leader on the field and his production was fantastic.
The Packers transitioned to a 3-4 defense and Barnett played well in his first year under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers. Then Barnett suffered a season ending injury and Desmond Bishop entered the picture and had a breakout year. Bishop earned a contract extension while Barnett was left on the sidelines.
Barnett is still capable of being a very good inside linebacker. He is great at pursuing the football and can make plays in opposing teams backfields. He is decent in coverage and is a solid tackler. A team like the Chargers would love having a player like Barnett
Probability of a trade: 75 percent
DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins
13 of 15
DeAngelo Hall is a good cornerback, but not great. He has been widely overrated throughout his entire career.
Although he recorded six interceptions last year, four of those were against Jay Cutler who is prone to throwing interceptions. He often gets beat off the line of scrimmage and his work ethic is questionable at times.
Hall was the eighth overall pick in the 2004 draft, so he certainly has talent. He can make plays on the ball, but he doesn't do so consistently. He lacks the effort to be a dominant shutdown corner. If a coach could figure out how to make Hall work and play at a consistent level, Hall would be a perennial Pro Bowler.
Probability of a trade: 80 percent
Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers
14 of 15
Vincent Jackson didn't play for the first 11 games last season. Before his contract holdout, Jackson's numbers improved each season he was in the league.
The Charges didn't want to pay Jackson top dollar, but Jackson wouldn't play unless he got paid like a top receiver. His play making ability was missed for the majority of the season, but the Charges made due with what they had.
Jackson was coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons and didn't look like slowing down any time soon. He is a big receiver with good speed and hands. He can get past cornerbacks and is a terrific downfield option. He is extremely difficult to cover in the red zone. He is relatively young and would boost numerous teams receiving groups.
Probability of a trade: 85 percent
Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins
15 of 15
Should Washington fans be worried that three Redskins players made this list? I would certainly be worried about them if I was a Redskins fan.
McNabb was supposed to lead the Redskins back into the promise land. He replaced Jason Campbell, who had a great season in Oakland, and was expected to continue his dominance in Washington. That didn't happen and McNabb was eventually replaced by Rex Grossman.
McNabb has been one of the better quarterbacks for the past 10 years. He is an exceptional talent who appears to have lost a step as he has aged. He still has starting ability and is a top-20 quarterback in the league. He has decent accuracy and a big arm, but his best attribute, with exception to last year, is that he rarely turns the ball over. He will absolutely be starting elsewhere whenever next season begins.
Probability of a trade: 100 percent
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