NFL Trade Speculation: All 32 Teams' Ideal Trade Scenarios
The 2011 NFL offseason will be remembered as one marred by a labor situation that prevented free agency from beginning and possibly delayed the start of the season.
Without free agency to address team needs thus far, many NFL franchises will look to the trade as a way to bring in established talent to fill team needs.
Who are the most likely players to be traded, and who's trading for them?
We have the best trade scenario for all 32 NFL teams inside.
Buffalo Bills
1 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for an outside linebacker
The Buffalo Bills added outside linebacker Shawne Merriman late in the 2010 season, only to see him injured and not active for the season.
Many felt the Bills would have loved to draft Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller to line up opposite Merriman, but Miller went just one spot ahead of the Bills' pick at No. 3 overall.
By trading for an outside linebacker, the Bills would provide another missing piece to their defensive puzzle.
Buffalo runs a hybrid 3-4 defense, moving around to a 4-3 at times, so they need a versatile outside linebacker who can rush the passer and stop the run.
Available Players: Joey Porter (Arizona), Ahmad Brooks (San Francisco), Larry English (San Diego)
Miami Dolphins
2 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a complementary running back
The Dolphins could try to re-sign either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams to complement 2011 second-round pick Daniel Thomas, but it's also likely they will look outside the current roster for help in the backfield.
There are a good number of running backs who would be available on the trade market, all of which have the ability to provide a secondary threat to the Dolphins offense.
Available Players: Willis McGahee (Baltimore), Steve Slaton (Houston), Donald Brown (Indianapolis), Marion Barber III (Dallas), Tashard Choice (Dallas), Ryan Grant (Green Bay), Pierre Thomas (New Orleans)
New England Patriots
3 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 wide receiver
The Patriots' offseason will be deemed a failure if they do not find a deep threat for Tom Brady. As it is, the Patriots are wasting Brady's arm by having him throw short timing routes to underneath receivers.
For the Patriots to really have a chance to win in 2011, and for them to make another Super Bowl appearance, they need an outside receiver who can stretch the field.
New England does a good job picking up veterans that other teams are tired of (Corey Dillon, Rodney Harrison, Randy Moss) and turning them into solid contributors.
Available Players: Steve Smith (Carolina), Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati), Vincent Jackson (San Diego), Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis), Eddie Royal (Denver), Roy Williams (Dallas)
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New York Jets
4 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a pass-rushing outside linebacker
The Jets, much like the Patriots, have a clear need that they failed to address through the draft at outside linebacker.
Head coach Rex Ryan knows the Jets can win without improving at outside linebacker, but they cannot improve enough to win a Super Bowl.
New York's first call should be to San Diego to inquire about outside linebacker Larry English, a former first-rounder who hasn't lived up to expectations for the Chargers.
Available Players: Joey Porter (Arizona), Ahmad Brooks (San Francisco), Larry English (San Diego)
Baltimore Ravens
5 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for an outside linebacker
The Ravens thought they had addressed their future need at outside linebacker by drafting Sergio Kindle with their first pick in the 2010 NFL draft. One fall down a staircase later, the Ravens are still looking for a complement to Terrell Suggs.
Baltimore would also like to use Suggs more at defensive end in a hybrid set, something they cannot do with Jarrett Johnson and Brendon Ayanbadejo behind Suggs.
Baltimore may not find a marquee outside linebacker on the market, but they can find a player good enough to spell Suggs.
Available Players: Joey Porter (Arizona), Ahmad Brooks (San Francisco), Brady Poppinga (Green Bay)
Cincinnati Bengals
6 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Carson Palmer
Franchise quarterback Carson Palmer has requested a trade out of Cincinnati at the threat of retiring if he is not traded.
Priority No. 1 for this offseason in Cincinnati is trading Carson Palmer to the highest bidder.
What his market value will be like varies depending on who you ask, but it's highly likely the Bengals will receive at least a third-round pick with conditional escalators attached.
Possible Trade Partners: Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 wide receiver
The Browns traded out of the chance to draft one of the best receivers available in Julio Jones, instead picking up a future first-round pick in 2012.
Once the offseason begins, the Browns will be on the phone looking for a trade partner with an available wide receiver.
Available Players: Steve Smith (Carolina), Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati), Vincent Jackson (San Diego), Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis), Eddie Royal (Denver), Roy Williams (Dallas)
Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
Ike Taylor is an unrestricted free agent, leaving a gaping hole at cornerback if he leaves. Even if Taylor returns the Steelers are weak in the cornerback department.
The market for cornerbacks will not be heavy on No. 1 cornerbacks this summer, but there are players out there who could make an immediate impact for the Steelers.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
Houston Texans
9 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
The Texans have spent draft picks on cornerbacks in the last two drafts, but they are still looking for a replacement for departed Dunta Robinson.
Many are projecting Houston to look at free-agent Nnamdi Asomugha this summer, once free agency begins, but he may be asking for more than the Texans can afford.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
Indianapolis Colts
10 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a defensive tackle
The Colts defense is known for putting together a solid unit with relative unknowns. At some point, that logic will fail them.
Bill Polian must address his defense this summer, and he needs to start in the trenches.
Available Players: Albert Haynesworth (Washington), Ty Warren (New England), Mike Patterson (Philadelphia)
Jacksonville Jaguars
11 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
Jacksonville has, statistically, one of the worst secondaries in football. And they've done nothing to address that over the offseason.
Once the trade market opens, Jacksonville should be one of many teams looking for an upgrade at cornerback.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Vince Young
The Titans' No. 1 priority this summer will be moving Vince Young before the 10th day of league business—otherwise they owe him $4.25 million.
It's possible Young will simply be cut and left to free agency, but the Titans should also look at the possibility of getting something back for Young.
Potential Trade Partners: Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Denver Broncos
13 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn
The Broncos are blessed with three quarterbacks on the roster who have started in the NFL. The old adage is that "if you have two quarterbacks, you have none."
In Denver, the Broncos need to identify their starter, expected to be Tim Tebow, and their No. 1 backup. The third party should be traded away.
Our expectation, and that of the national media, is that Orton will be the one to go.
Potential Trade Partners: Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs
14 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for an offensive tackle
The Chiefs drafted a potential star at center in Rodney Hudson, but they have failed to address their need for a right tackle.
Barry Richardson is workable as a one- or two-year band-aid, but he should not be relied upon as a long-term starter.
Available Players: Andre Smith (Cincinnati), Marc Colombo (Dallas), Chad Clifton (Green Bay)
Oakland Raiders
15 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
The surprise transaction of the offseason thus far has to be cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha opting out of his contract in Oakland.
It's not often the best cornerback in football hits the open market.
The Raiders do not expect to be able to retain Asomugha and will look to trade for a potential replacement.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
San Diego Chargers
16 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Vincent Jackson
The Chargers have assigned Vincent Jackson as their franchise player in 2011, a year after he was tagged as a restricted free agent when the CBA expired.
Jackson sat out until October 29th, missing half of the Chargers' season.
General manager A.J. Smith is known for being stubborn and not trading away disgruntled players, but in Jackson, the Chargers have a valuable commodity that they can turn in to draft picks.
Potential Trade Partners: New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys
17 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade either Mike Jenkins or Terence Newman
The Cowboys are faced with two good starters at cornerback, neither of which may be on the team in 2011.
Mike Jenkins was a Pro Bowler in 2009 and then saw his game fall apart in 2010. Terence Newman is an experienced veteran who does not fit Rob Ryan's defense.
Potential Trade Partners: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers
New York Giants
18 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for offensive line help
The Giants offensive line will need attention during the remainder of the 2011 offseason and beyond.
While there will not be many starting-caliber offensive linemen available via trade, there are some players worth looking at.
The question will be, are the Giants prepared to pay for those players?
Available Players: Logan Mankins (New England), Marc Colombo (Dallas), Andre Smith (Cincinnati)
Philadelphia Eagles
19 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Kevin Kolb
The Eagles are currently sitting on a player who will net them at least multiple second-round picks. That player is quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Kolb has been the consummate professional playing behind Donovan McNabb and then Michael Vick, proving himself in the eyes of many coaches.
When given the chance to play Kolb has looked good, but there is somewhat of an unknown there too.
Potential Trading Partners: Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Washington Redskins
20 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth
The Redskins have at least two players to unload this summer—quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
Neither player has lived up to expectations in Washington after a large amount of success at former stops. Both will be unloaded this offseason.
Potential McNabb Trade Partners: Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Potential Haynesworth Trade Partners: Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts
Chicago Bears
21 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 wide receiver
The Bears are this close to competing in a Super Bowl, especially after beefing up their offensive and defensive lines through the draft.
The defense and running game are good enough to win a championship, but the passing game has to get better.
To do that, the Bears must add a No. 1 wide receiver who has the outside ability to stretch the field.
The good news is that there are many players just like this available on the trade market.
Available Players: Steve Smith (Carolina), Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati), Vincent Jackson (San Diego), Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis), Eddie Royal (Denver), Roy Williams (Dallas)
Detroit Lions
22 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
The Detroit Lions are building a very strong roster and appear to be on the brink of a playoff run. The last obstacle for the Lions will be finding a true shutdown cornerback to challenge Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
Green Bay Packers
23 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Matt Flynn
Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn will become a free agent after the 2011 season, and he'll be given many looks at that time as a potential starting quarterback.
Green Bay stands to lose Flynn and get nothing in return, unless they trade him this offseason.
Doing so would leave Green Bay a little thin at quarterback, but they can sign a free agent to back up Aaron Rodgers.
Potential Trading Partners: Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings
24 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a veteran quarterback
The Vikings have two exciting young quarterbacks on the roster in Joe Webb and 2011 first-rounder Christian Ponder.
What they don't have is an established veteran to teach the youngsters how to be an NFL quarterback.
Not many teams will be looking for veteran quarterbacks in a trade, but Minnesota is definitely one team in the market.
Available Players: Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Donovan McNabb (Washington), Kyle Orton (Denver)
Atlanta Falcons
25 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a young defensive end
The Falcons are a preseason favorite to appear in Super Bowl XLVI, and their trade to move up in the draft to acquire wide receiver Julio Jones puts them that much closer.
Where Atlanta may be weak is at defensive end. John Abraham had a brilliant 2010 season but has been prone to injury.
The Falcons would love to add a young pass-rusher at defensive end, but they are short on 2012 draft picks, and there is a small market for defensive ends who could help immediately.
Carolina Panthers
26 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Steve Smith
The Panthers' best offensive player is veteran wide receiver Steve Smith—and he's asked for a trade this offseason to a winning franchise.
The Panthers seem likely to oblige, moving Smith somewhere that he has a chance to win a ring late in his career.
Potential Trade Partners: New York Jets, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints
27 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush
The Saints made running back Mark Ingram one of two first-round picks in the 2011 draft, signaling the end for either Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush in New Orleans.
Pierre Thomas spent most of 2010 injured and in Sean Payton's doghouse, making him a likely option to be sent out of New Orleans.
Potential Trade Partners: Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, St. Louis Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade Aqib Talib
Cornerback Aqib Talib is incredibly talent but equally troubled.
Since entering the NFL, he has brought controversy, drama and a string of legal problems to Tampa. There have been reports the team will move on from him this summer.
As it is, talent trumps character in the NFL—meaning Talib will not be out of work for long.
Potential Trade Partners: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans
Arizona Cardinals
29 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a quarterback
The Cardinals have a roster with enough talent to win the weak NFC West but not without a quarterback who can offer consistent play.
There are a number of quarterbacks on the trade market the Cardinals could consider, providing a steady hand for the talented team.
Available Players: Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia), Matt Flynn (Green Bay), Vince Young (Tennessee), Donovan McNabb (Washington), Kyle Orton (Denver), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati)
St. Louis Rams
30 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
Quick, name a starting cornerback for the St. Louis Rams.
Can you without looking it up?
That's a pretty good indicator as to the Rams' need at the position.
The Rams offense looks like a high-powered winner, but the defense has to improve.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants), Nate Clements (San Francisco)
San Francisco 49ers
31 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a No. 1 cornerback
Much like the Rams, the 49ers need a true No. 1 cornerback who can strike fear in opposing quarterbacks.
Nate Clements was that player for a short while, but he's on his last legs and may be traded himself.
The 49ers need an impact player in their secondary. Now is the time to make a move for one.
Available Players: Aqib Talib (Tampa Bay), Terence Newman (Dallas), Leigh Bodden (New England), Corey Webster (New York Giants)
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
Ideal Trade Scenario: Trade for a starting quarterback
The Seahawks made an improbale run to the NFC West championship in 2010 and shocked the world when they beat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the opening round of the playoffs.
To repeat that success in 2011, the Seahawks must find a consistent starter under center.
Veteran Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent and may not return. Backup Charlie Whitehurst has shown nothing to suggest he's capable of taking over.
Available Players: Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia), Matt Flynn (Green Bay), Vince Young (Tennessee), Donovan McNabb (Washington), Kyle Orton (Denver), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati)
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