NFL Trade Analysis: 5 Worst Trades of the 2011 Offseason

NFL Free Agency is not usually a time of high trade volume and this year was no different.

Big name players like Albert Haynesworth, Chad Ochocinco, Donovan McNabb and Reggie Bush all moved, but who paid too much and who gave them away for too little?

With such a fast-paced free agency period—and with it all condensed into only a week-and-a-half long window—some trades may have been overlooked.

Don't worry, I caught them all and I will share with you the five biggest trade mistakes of the past two weeks.

Washington Redskins fans, I suggest you pick a different article, because this is going to get ugly.

Trade Info Provided By CJK

5. Arizona Cardinals Trade Tim Hightower for Vonnie Holliday, Undisclosed Pick

Forget about what I said Washington Redskins fans, because you guys just ripped off the Arizona Cardinals.

Tim Hightower is a legitimate NFL player. Vonnie Holliday? Maybe if we hopped in a time machine back to 2006.

The Redskins may have struck gold with the trade for Hightower. The 25-year-old hasn't missed a game in his three year career—something that is becoming more and more rare at the running back position—and he hasn't been run into the ground either.

With a steady dose of about 150 carries per year, the Cardinals were able to keep Hightower well rested. He can score in the red zone and has even shown the ability to be a threat out of the backfield.

He's a good place to start, Redskins fans. But with John Beck under center, it may not matter.

4. Cincinnati Bengals Trade Chad Ochocinco for 5th and 6th Round Picks

Rex Ryan probably wasn't too happy about this one.

While I understand the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to ship off their wide receiver diva, I don't understand how they couldn't have possibly bargained a little more out of the New England Patriots for the six time Pro-Bowler.

Listen, when a guy's gotta go, a guy's gotta go, but Ochocinco had a solid year last year and hasn't showed much signs of slowing down either.

In 2007, when the Pats traded for Randy Moss, they traded a fourth-round pick for a player who had been struggling mightily. I expected that the Pats may have had to at least part with a fourth rounder—possibly even a third rounder—in exchange for Cinco.

But a fifth rounder and sixth rounder for Cinco? I hope the Bengal enjoys their two rookies who never make the 75-man roster.

3. New Orleans Saints Trade Reggie Bush for Jonathon Amaya, Undisclosed Pick

Reggie Bush, one of the most exciting players in the NFL and former No. 2 pick, for Jonathon Amaya and an undisclosed draft pick?

What has the world come to?

More importantly, what were the New Orleans Saints thinking?

Again, I understand the need to get rid of an unhappy or expensive player, but this free agency period has been labeled as a dry well for running backs. It is pretty clear that the market is overcrowded. Why trade him now?

Also, why trade him if you are going to pick up a similar option with Darren Sproles and pay him solid money anyway?

The whole thing is confusing and the whole thing was a bad idea for the Saints.

Way to go, Miami Dolphins.

2. Washington Redskins Trade Albert Haynesworth for 2013 5th Round Pick

Albert Haynesworth was a fat, lazy and overall garbage player for the Washington Redskins. He clashed with the coach and it was clear that he simply would not produce in the Redskins' defensive system.

This trade makes sense.

But, you signed the guy to a $100 million deal only a couple of years ago! He has a ton of talent. Was he displaying that talent in Washington?

No, certainly not.

Everyone knew it was still there somewhere. So, the $100 million man gets traded for a 2013 fifth-round draft pick. Makes complete sense—if you are Dan Snyder.

Another magnificent move by the genius billionaire owner of the Washington Redskins.

Once again, the New England Patriots prove to be one of the wisest teams in the NFL. Wait until a talented player gets bored on a team with terrible management and then trade five pennies and a toothbrush for him.

No wonder the Pats are Super Bowl contenders and the Redskins are cellar dwellers.

1. Washington Redskins Trade Donovan McNabb for Two 6th Round Picks

Tell me when this starts to make sense.

The Washington Redskins trade starting quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings for two sixth-round draft picks.

They must have a wonderful backup then, right?

Washington Redskins backup quarterback John Beck—who hasn't played a meaningful snap in the NFL ever—will now be taking over the starting duties.

Huh?

I thought a trade is supposed to be beneficial to your team? In what way does Washington improve?

I see zero, unless you include two unsubstantial sixth-round draft picks. From Donovan McNabb to John Beck?

Honestly, at this point, I just feel bad for Redskins fans.