Fantasy Football: 7 Trade Situations Most Worth Monitoring

The NFL lockout is still in place, but recent meetings have given fantasy football freaks hope that the 2011 season will still be played in its entirety.

Once the lockout is lifted, teams will be ready to wheel and deal with plenty of players available on the trade market. Depending on the trades that could happen, the draft strategy for fantasy football could be thrown out of whack.

Here are seven players in key skill positions that are worth monitoring for fantasy football.

Philadelphia Eagles QB Kevin Kolb

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CINCINNATI - AUGUST 20: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during the NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 20, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have made it clear that for the right price, teams can acquire quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Kolb has shown some potential but has yet to be given a full year under center to prove his worth. With so many teams in need of a decent starting quarterback, Kolb will most likely be one of the big names that is traded once the lockout is lifted.

Kolb will automatically be a starter in the NFL, and depending on where he lands, it will dramatically increase his stock in fantasy football drafts.

Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by Jeff Gross/G

Vince Young fell from stardom in just a few seasons under Jeff Fisher as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Although Fisher is now gone as head coach, the Titans ownership is still open to a trade for the embattled young signal-caller.

In the right environment with the right leadership, Young could produce and put up big numbers. Unlike other quarterbacks on this list, Young has the mobility that will make him a double threat to fantasy owners.

Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks to throw a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Donovan McNabb’s time as a field general for the Washington Redskins has clearly come to an end. The relationship between McNabb and head coach Mike Shanahan wore thin last year, and a trade will most likely be in the works, once the lockout is lifted.

The most likely rumored landing spot has been with the Minnesota Vikings. This is a good spot for McNabb, and fantasy owners may want to consider taking a shot at the grizzled veteran with a late pick in the draft.

McNabb will have plenty of weapons if he goes to Minnesota, and that could revitalize his career and his numbers.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Carson Palmer is holding the Cincinnati Bengals hostage and has said that he will retire before he ever suits up for the Bengals again.

The Bengals ownership have announced they have no intentions of trading Palmer, but after drafting Andy Dalton, the Bengals may be swayed after the lockout.

Palmer is a steady veteran in this league and with so many teams in need of a strong starter, teams will be interested. If Palmer is traded, fantasy owners will have to monitor his progression and consider the veteran as a solid pick in the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 14: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals reaches for a pass during the Bengals 23-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/

Carson Palmer is not the only Bengal that could be traded in the offseason. Chad Ochocinco is rumored to be on his way out of Cincinnati.

The flamboyant wide receiver would be a welcomed addition to many teams and has recently been linked to the New England Patriots. If Ochocinco suits up in the red, white and blue under a Tom Brady-led offense, his numbers could dramatically increase.

This wacky wideout is worth monitoring for fantasy owners during the offseason.

Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto Greule

The Carolina Panthers are in rebuilding mode, as evident by the first-round draft pick of quarterback Cam Newton.

The Panthers have a very tradable asset in wide receiver Steve Smith. Plenty of teams are looking for a veteran wideout to add to their current arsenal, and Smith would be a welcome addition to any team.

Smith is capable of putting up huge numbers in the right offense and if he is traded, fantasy football fans need to take notice.

New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints jumps over Brice McCain #21 of the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The writing may be on the wall for Reggie Bush.

Bush was clearly upset on draft day when the Saints traded up in the draft to grab Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram. Bush has a huge contract and the Saints may be willing to part ways with the controversial running back.

In the right setting, Bush could excel as a pass-catching threat and rack up points on special teams.

Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on Reggie Bush and where he might play this season.

Eyes Open

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GREEN BAY, WI - FEBRUARY 08: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the Packers victory ceremony at Lambeau Field on February 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/Getty Images)

With the lockout in place, fantasy football fans need to be very flexible. The season could start later than normal, and the schedule could change.

Once the season is announced, free agency and trades will dominate the news. Keeping up on player movement will be a surefire way to make a run at a fantasy football championship season.

James Brown is a B/R Featured Columnist. Feel free to contact James at [e-mail].