
2011 NFL Predictions: The First 8 Players to Be Traded Once the Lockout Ends
There are many players waiting to find new homes as soon as the lockout ends and some of those players will be traded from their current teams.
While all free agency and trade talk at this point is purely speculation, there are some guys that we can be fairly certain will move once the lockout comes to an end.
Competent quarterbacks are at a premium in the NFL right now and that is why we are likely to see a fair amount moved once the offseason officially begins.
Here is a look at eight players who have a very good chance of getting traded once the lockout comes to an end.
1. Steve Smith
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Smith previously made it known that he doesn't want to be a Panther anymore, but now that Cam Newton is in Carolina, will he change his mind?
I don't think that would be a good reason to stay, and apparently Smith doesn't either as he recently said once again that he wants out.
Smith could be a very nice addition to a team like San Diego provided he is able to stay healthy but he is a questionable fit with the Chargers because the team prefers bigger pass catchers and Smith is just 5'9".
2. Kevin Kolb
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Kolb is certainly going to be on the move once the lockout ends, especially after the Eagles declared their love of soon-to-be second string quarterback Mike Kafka.
Philadelphia is going to want a hefty return for Kolb and although I don't believe he will be worth as much as he ultimately goes for, a team like Arizona will likely give up a good amount for a capable signal-caller.
Arizona is the front-runner for Kolb's services with the Seahawks trailing behind, and with Hasselbeck likely to return, expect to see Kolb throwing to Larry Fitzgerald this season.
3. Carson Palmer
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I know, I know; the Bengals aren't going to trade Carson Palmer.
Yes they are.
I believe Cincinnati will eventually cave in and trade their now backup quarterback to a team in need of a veteran presence in the huddle.
While Palmer won't command the type of draft picks that the Eagles will get for Kolb, the Bengals should still be able to get a decent pick or two back for the former Heisman winner when they decide to deal him.
4. Kyle Orton
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Orton is not an elite quarterback but he is a very capable quarterback and depending on the price, he would be my first choice on this year's trade market.
Orton threw for 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, while he was picked off just nine times all season. He had some huge games early in the year, including a 476 yard performance against the Colts (too bad he didn't get to face the Texans in week 16).
The 28-year-old has had an up-and-down career thus far but he appears to be straightened out and I believe he would be a worthwhile passer for a team in need of an upgrade.
5. Albert Haynesworth
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Haynesworth could definitely end up being cut once the lockout ends but one thing is for certain; the Skins need to rid themselves of their problem.
A team could swing a trade for the disgruntled defensive tackle to ensure they land his services or they could wait for him to be released and try to win a bidding war.
I think Haynesworth will end up being traded to a team for a mid-round selection and the Redskins will be vary happy to have their wasted investment off their hands.
6. Donovan McNabb
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McNabb is another Redskin who appears very likely to be on the move and while he could also be cut, I think a team will work a trade for him.
Many people believe the Vikings will be that team, and while I would not want McNabb as my quarterback at this point in his career, the move could make some sense.
Minnesota believes they can contend this season if they can get some solid play out of their quarterback position (which McNabb will not be able to provide), but I think they might as well see what Christian Ponder can do as many rookie quarterbacks appear destined to start early this season.
7. Steve Slaton
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Slaton was a forgotten man this past season with the emergence of Arian Foster at running back for the Texans and the team is expected to welcome back rookie Ben Tate from injury so Slaton will likely be the odd man out.
Slaton is still a capable runner as he ran for 4.9 yards per carry last season on just 19 attempts, but he also ran for 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie in 2008 on 268 attempts.
The 25-year-old also caught 94 passes in his first two seasons so he should have little problem finding work elsewhere if the Texans decide to move him as I believe they will.
8. Vince Young
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Young is going to be out in Tennessee, especially now that Jake Locker is in and Chris Johnson proclaimed that the former UW star will be the team's starter this season.
The former Longhorn could be a viable option at quarterback for a team in the right situation (like one that doesn't pass the football).
Young could potentially find himself on a team like the Dolphins who wants to bring in some competition for Chad Henne, or another team who is looking for some competition at their quarterback position.
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