2011 NFL Preseason: 10 Acquisitions That Would Have Seemed Ridiculous a Year Ago

NFL training camp is in full swing and the first preseason game is exactly six days away.

GM's are working overtime to get free agents and trade acquisitions to camp before that first preseason snap.

Here's a look at 10 players suiting up for new teams that no one would've thought possible a year ago. 

Reggie Bush Traded to Miami

Reggie Bush was a staple in the New Orleans community, volunteering his time and efforts with rebuilding the once-devastated city.

Bush wasn't as dominant with the Saints as he was while playing at USC, but developed into a serviceable third-down back as well as an excellent punt returner.

That's why some were shocked when New Orleans drafted running back Mark Ingram in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Bush knew his time in New Orleans was up, and even tweeted as much.

The former second overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft was traded to the Miami Dolphins, who are in desperate need at running back.

Still needing to prove he can be an every down back, the change of scenery may benefit Bush in the long run.

Sidney Rice Signs with Seattle as a Free Agent

During the 2009-2010 season, Sidney Rice quickly became Brett Favre's favorite target in Minnesota.

Rice set the NFL ablaze with 1,312 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions that season.

But injuries derailed a repeat performance during the 2010-2011 season, and Rice was sidelined for the majority of the year.

Rather than re-sign Rice, the Vikings thought it would be better to let him go, even though Minnesota drafted a quarterback in Christian Ponder with their first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

A huge target like Rice could only assist in developing Ponder, but it's too late.

Rice will be reunited with his Minnesota teammate, Tavaris Jackson, in Seattle. 

Chad Ochocinco Traded to New England

The often humorous and entertaining Chad Ochocinco has found a new home and the six-time Pro Bowler couldn't be more elated.

Ochocinco gets to line up and receive passes from arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Tom Brady, who has a knack for restoring receivers careers.

The Patriots love to receive players that will work hard and have a chip on their shoulder. That sums up Ochocinco.

The former Cincinnati Bengal had one of his worst seasons during the 2010-2011 season, catching only four touchdown passes, his second lowest total since his rookie year back in 2001.

Rejuvenated and looking to prove he's still among the elite, Ochocinco is primed for another Pro Bowl season. 

Vince Young Signs with Philadelphia as a Free Agent

Vince Young had the opportunity to start at Miami or San Francisco, but instead signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Mike Vick.

Some feel he made a wise decision considering Eagles' head coach Andy Reid does an excellent job at developing quarterbacks, especially backups.

Still, the former third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft could've gotten more money and a starting position elsewhere.

The Eagles' organization is smart and got Young at a bargain, plus they're confident they can still mold Young into a quarterback.

Vick needs a viable back up because history has shown he can't stay healthy, only playing a full season once in his career.

Is Young the next AJ Feeley? 

Kevin Kolb Traded to Arizona

Kevin Kolb lost his starting position to Mike Vick during the 2010-2011 season, a demotion he felt should have never happened.

According to Kolb, he feels no one should lose their starting job due to an injury.

That injury got Kolb a five-year extension worth $63.5 million and a $21 million signing bonus.

The highly publicized Philadelphia to Arizona trade might be the best thing to ever happen to Kolb and his family. 

Even though he was being groomed as the next starter in Philadelphia, Kolb falls into a great situation with serious talent surrounding him like Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet to sling the ball to.

Time will tell if Kolb can shoulder that contract, but the excuses are over and he is now the main man.

Braylon Edwards Signs with San Francisco as a Free Agent

Braylon Edwards made an immediate impact with the New York Jets, but the Jets organization did not retain the vet going into his seventh NFL season.

As a free agent, Edwards got to choose where he ended up, and his decision took him to San Francisco where he'll be teamed up with former first rounders Ted Ginn, Jr and Michael Crabtree, giving starting quarterback Alex Smith ample amount of targets.

Edwards issues have always circulated around effort. The Jets were a Super Bowl contending team and his work ethic was admirable.

While he played for Cleveland, a team who hasn't been to the postseason since 2002, Edwards was known to take plays off and had a bad case of "alligator arms."

San Francisco hasn't had a winning record since the 2002-2003 season. Which Edwards will come to play for the 49ers? 

Donovan McNabb Traded to Minnesota

Wasn't this supposed to be where Donovan McNabb wanted to be a year ago?

The Washington Redskins was a failed experiment for McNabb and now he enters a great situation with a massive offensive line and an All-Pro running back in Adrian Peterson.

Question is: Does McNabb still have what it takes to win in the NFL?

The organization will view this as a quick fix until Christian Ponder is ready. If the Vikings make a playoff push, McNabb looks like a hero. If Minnesota is out of the playoff race or if McNabb is inefficient, then the Ponder era begins.

McNabb has plenty to prove and won't have to carry the load with Peterson running the ball 20-plus times a game.

As long as he manages a game correctly and keeps the turnover totals low, McNabb ought to find success with the Vikings.

Plaxico Burress Signs with the New York Jets as a Free Agent

Can a 34-year-old wide receiver that hasn't played in the NFL in two season still be effective?

That's the case with newly acquired Jets' free agent Plaxico Burress.

Burress has spent the last two years in jail, but says he's rehabilitated, physically fit, and mentally prepared to play a full NFL season.

The Jets needed a big target wide receiver to help quarterback Mark Sanchez, but they might've bitten off more than they can chew.

New York Jets' head coach Rex Ryan loves these kinds of players: tough as nails and will play their hearts out.

Problem is, Burress wasn't known to practice well and was consistently missing team meetings, according to multiple sources.

This may be the biggest feel-good story of the season or perhaps the biggest free agent bust.

Albert Haynesworth Traded to New England

In what might be considered the biggest head-scratcher of the preseason, the New England Patriots traded for troubled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Haynesworth is considered an extremely talented defensive tackle, having success in 4-3 defenses, but refusing to play in Washington's 3-4.

Last checked, the Patriots play a 3-4. Or do they?

According to the Boston Herald, Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick is open to the idea of playing both the 3-4 and 4-3 to utilize their defensive strengths.

Still, Haynesworth doesn't fit the "Patriots" way, quitting on the Redskins a season ago. 

That's where Belichick comes in. If anyone can motivate Haynesworth it's Belichick who does not play and will ship players out at the drop of a hat.

This will be a storyline to keep a close eye on.

Nnamdi Asomugha Signs with Philadelphia as a Free Agent

The most sought after free agent of the 2011 offseason deaked everyone, spurning Dallas and the New York Jets for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Nnamdi Asomugha will be joined with Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, who was acquired for the Kolb trade, to form a formidable cornerback tandem. 

While he's not expected to stay with the team, if the Eagles decide to keep Asante Samuel it's hard to argue that the Eagles don't have the best secondary in the NFL.

Asomugha just made the Eagles into an instant Super Bowl contender.

While the term "shutdown" corner is overused, Asomugha has the kind of skill and athleticism to take away the opposition's best receiver.

The Eagles' defense has always been predicated on pressure from all angles and having a corner that can slowdown a potential deep threat makes it easier for defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to continue to blitz.

He might have made more money going to another organization, but Asomugha sees the opportunity to win a Super Bowl now.