NFL Trade Speculation: Power Ranking the Best of 2011

The NFL trade and free-agent circus will be rolling to a close soon so now is the time to look back at some of the best moves that have been made during this abbreviated offseason.

The Eagles have been extremely busy this offseason being in on big-name free-agents, and they were also active on the trade market.

The Patriots surprised everyone by swinging a couple of same-day trades that saw them net two huge names that could have a big impact on the AFC East standings this season.

While the Pats and Eagles made big moves, other teams may have taken a step in the wrong direction.

Here is a look at the top NFL trades of 2011.

6. Minnesota Vikings Trade for Veteran Quarterback Donovan McNabb

At this stage in his career, it's hard to say what McNabb still brings to the table, but I don't believe it is a whole lot.

The Vikings still have a talented roster despite losing Sidney Rice and Ray Edwards this offseason, and they are hoping to make one last push with McNabb at the helm before first-round selection, Christian Ponder, becomes the team's next quarterback.

I believe the Vikings made this trade because they believe they still have a talented enough team to compete in the NFC North and because they needed to give Ponder time to develop as an NFL quarterback.

Only one of those things will be accomplished, and it won't be a winning season as I don't think McNabb has what it takes to turn this Vikings squad around.

5. Greg Olsen Traded to the Panthers

Greg Olsen didn't exactly tear it up in the Windy City during his four seasons with the Bears, but he should provide rookie quarterback Cam Newton with another solid option in Carolina.

The Bears did get a third-round pick in the 2012 draft in return for Olsen, and I like that deal for them considering what other more proven players have been going for, but the Panthers may also like this deal in a few years.

Olsen's best season came in 2009 when he caught 60 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns.

While Olsen has not quite lived up to expectations after being selected in the first round of the 2007 draft, he now has the chance to take the next step forward in Carolina while helping Newton kick-start his career.

4. Kevin Kolb Dealt to the Cardinals

I would have liked this trade a lot better for the Cardinals if they had not given up so much (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick) or if they had actually gotten a proven quarterback in return.

I still like this trade better than the Vikings deal for McNabb because Kolb has solid potential (which he may never realize, but you have to try right?), and he could be the long-term solution at signal-caller for the Cardinals.

I don't believe that Kolb will ever be an elite quarterback in the NFL, but he will likely do enough to make sure that Arizona stays competitive in the near future during the next few years; it's just too bad they gave up so much to get him.

3. New England Patriots Deal for Disgruntled Defensive Lineman Albert Hayneswort

I am in no way a fan of Albert Haynesworth or the New England Patriots, but I can recognize a good fit when I see one and the fit couldn't be much better for Haynesworth.

One potential problem that could make the fit not as good is the fact that Haynesworth is headed to another 3-4 defense which was part of his problem in Washington.

Haynesworth is better suited to play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense, but I don't think he will have the same kind of attitude problem while playing for Bill Belichick and the Pats.

If Belichick and the rest of the Patriots can't keep the big defensive lineman in check, then I'm not sure who will be able to at this point.

2. New England Patriots Receive Chad Ochocinco from the Bengals

I really liked this trade for the Patriots because they gave up a couple of future late-round draft picks for a receiver who could be a potentially dangerous weapon in Ochocinco with Tom Brady throwing him the football.

I expect Ochcinco to have a big season for the Pats this year and have nearly the impact that Randy Moss had when he came to the Patriots.

While it is highly unlikely that Ochocinco will put up the kind of touchdown numbers that Moss did while playing in New England, I believe he will have little problem helping the Pats move the chains this year.

When you combine the potential for greatness with minimal risk, you have a great trade, and that is what the Pats did here.

1. Eagles Trade for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a Second-Round Pick

It will be easy to hate the Eagles this year, but if you are a Philly fan, you have to love what your team has been doing this offseason.

The team's trade of backup quarterback Kevin Kolb is just one example of the genius that has taken place in Philadelphia this offseason as the Eagles were able to trade their No. 2 signal-caller to the Cardinals for corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in next year's draft.

Rodgers-Cromartie has the ability to be an elite corner in the league as he proved in 2009 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl. But the Eagles were also able to snag a valuable draft pick in the trade which saw them give up very little in terms of their future.

The Eagles have to be happy with the offseason that they have had and their trade with the Cardinals should be a major reason why.