Assessing the Trade Value of Each NFL Team's Best Player

I'm probably not the only one who has spent too many hours at some point in their life trying to build a team in Madden by trying to unsuccessfully acquire some of the NFL's top players, for ridiculous ransoms—only to be rejected, over and over, and then give up too much.

That's kind of what it's like figuring out how much each NFL team's top player is worth.

Under the new CBA, we don't have much evidence as to how deals will shake down. However, we have the deals of the past decade to use as a tool to determine how much each of these top players could be worth.

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald

Fitz is one of the league's top wideouts, no doubt about that, and it's obvious the Cardinals felt the same way, needing a top target for Kevin Kolb.

Fitz will make $20 million in 2011, and the team needs to exercise a $15 million option to keep him in 2012, so it's possible he could still become a free agent.

We have a barometer for his value based on the third- and fourth-round picks Baltimore gave up for former running mate Anquan Boldin (and a fifth-rounder); Boldin was also in pursuit of a new deal, not armed with a fat new one.

We also have the outrageous Roy Williams trade, in which the Lions netted a first-, third- and sixth-rounder for Williams and a seventh as the top end of the scale. There's also the Brandon Marshall trade, which was for two second-rounders.

The contract is the major issue, but otherwise a team wouldn't lose when dealing for Fitzgerald. If I'm the Cardinals, I make the price for Kevin Kolb look like nothin'.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 third, 2013 sixth 

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan

The Falcons are an up-and-coming team with a lot of weapons, so this was a tough choice, but "Matty Ice" is one of the coolest nicknames in sports and serves as the tiebreaker for a talented roster.

It's rare you see a "franchise" quarterback get traded in the modern NFL, but we've seen the Eagles trade two in the past 18 months—Donovan McNabb used to be, and Kolb's upside is a Matt Hasselbeck type.

Kolb cost a potential Pro Bowl corner and a second-rounder—McNabb a 2010 second and 2011 fourth. Simply put, Eagles were flyin' high after those deals. In my opinion, "Matty Ice" is worth more than both of them were, in Jay Cutler territory.  

Value: 2012 first, 2012 second, 2013 fourth

Baltimore Ravens: Haloti Ngata

Don't get me wrong; Ray Lewis is one of the greatest players ever. Plus, I'd be surprised if he didn't retire a Raven.

But I picked Ngata because of his youth. The experience of playing with a legend behind him—not to mention Ed Reed—makes him a strong candidate to be worth even more than just what his physical abilities bring to the table.

Technically, Ngata is worth two first-round picks because of the franchise tag designation.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 first

Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson

Scouring the Bills roster for a top player isn't the easiest task; defensive tackle Kyle Williams was a strong candidate, but he isn't Ngata.

I personally think F-Jax is one of the more underrated backs in the league and deserves some dap. With C.J. Spiller drafted to assume a unique role in the offense, Jackson is now the workhorse back.

The problem is that as a 30-year-old, journeyman back—who played Division II and in Europe among other stops, including a successful stop with the indoor team the Sioux City Bandits—his trade value may not be high at all.

The Bills received a 2011 fourth-rounder and a conditional 2012 pick for Marshawn Lynch. I expect the Bills would ask for something similar, though they may not receive it.

Value: 2012 fifth, 2013 seventh

Carolina Panthers: Jon Beason

Simply put, Beason is a beast—see video. He has never missed a game in his four-year career and has yet to register below 120 tackles.

He has manned the middle for a defense with an extremely strong linebacking corps. Having a guy like Beason in the middle—versatile, strong and nasty—is a sure-fire way to help elevate any defense.

Linebackers aren't often traded in the NFL, so judging his value is tricky. Furthermore, given the lack of shelf life for many NFL middle linebackers, trading for one is risky.

That said, there are few who have had as productive starts to their career as Beason. He was taken in the first round and just signed a long-term extension. He's expensive.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 fifth

Chicago Bears: Julius Peppers

This could have been Brian Urlacher, but Peppers wins via the age tiebreaker.

Peppers has been one of the league's most consistent and explosive defensive ends of the past decade. The Bears signed him to a massive contract before last season and intend on having him as the anchor for their defensive line, potentially through the end of his career.

You would think that Peppers would be worth something similar to the Osi Umenyiora demands, which was a first-round pick. We'll give Peppers the benefit of the doubt, as he has been more productive over the course of his career.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 sixth

Cincinnati Bengals: Leon Hall

The Bengals let Johnathan Joseph walk, and Hall becomes their No. 1 guy; based on his play the past few seasons, he may have been their more productive and reliable player anyway.

The Bengals have recently said they're going to open contract negotiations with Hall after previously increasing his salary before the lockout. I expect Hall to become one of the highest-paid corners of the 2011 class, especially as the Bengals made a conscious decision not to keep their one-two punch.

If Hall is re-signed by Cincinnati, I imagine it'll hold him in the highest regard.

Given Mike Brown's stubbornness about the Carson Palmer situation, Hall will likely be tough to pry away from Cincinnati in the end.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 fourth

Cleveland Browns: Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas just got extended with a massive new contract; he's reportedly never missed a practice and was rewarded with seven years, $84 million with $44 million guaranteed. 

He is one of the game's premier left tackles and part of a growing offensive line that blocks for one of the league's most bruising backs.

The Browns were very smart to sign Thomas to a long-term deal—Mike Holmgren knows from his experience with Walter Jones—and I expect the Browns would be hesitant to give up Thomas for almost anything. In fact, we have a first of his kind for this list.

Value: Untouchable

Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Ware

Ware is a unique player: 80 career sacks, and he's never missed a game in six seasons. He should be a good tool for new coordinator Rob Ryan to use in his aggressive defense.

His combination of size and athleticism gives him the ability to be as versatile a pass-rushing tool as there is in the NFL.

He is signed through 2015, and assuming all goes as planned with the transition to the new defense, it will be hard to pry him away from the Cowboys, especially because he was taken with a first-round pick.

However, if his production declines soon, I could see the price going down. For now, that's not happening.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 fifth, 2013 seventh

Denver Broncos: Champ Bailey

Bailey has been a premier corner his entire career and has already been part of one blockbuster trade.

Now potentially in the last contract of his career, the Broncos would have an interesting proposition on their hands if offered a trade for Bailey.

He's heading into his 13th season, and his production hasn't been quite as productive in recent years, partly because teams have thrown his way less and less over the course of his career.

In 2008 he dealt with injury issues but seemed to recover. Since the Broncos are a rebuilding organization, if they don't start winning, Bailey could be a candidate to go to a championship contender for the right price.

We know Bailey was already traded with a second-round pick for Clinton Portis; those days were long ago. He is valuable to the organization, but I don't think he is worth more than a player like Leon Hall.

Value: 2012 fourth, 2013 fifth

Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh

Calvin "Megatron" Johnson was also a strong candidate for this spot, but Suh appears on his way to being a special defensive tackle like Ngata.

Suh had an outstanding rookie season after coming into the league as the second overall pick with huge expectations. 

His versatility, strength, size and nasty attitude on the field—especially for only a first-year player—are quite remarkable to watch. Given that head coach Jim Schwartz is a defensive-minded head coach, I don't think he'd give up his Transformer type on defense for anything.

Value: Untouchable

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers

I went to Cal during his college days and am not surprised he's turned into an All-Pro; he's always been smart and savvy with a knack for making things happen.

This is how I imagine any trade talks for Rodgers going:

Any of the 31 NFL teams inquiring: "Hey Ted, let's talk trade for A-Rod."

Ted Thompson: "OK. No thanks. But I appreciate you calling."

In all seriousness, would you trade Rodgers? He sat on the bench for three years behind Brett Favre and then won a Super Bowl in his third year starting.  

The first of the few true franchise quarterbacks that simply can't be traded.

Value: Untouchable

Houston Texans: Andre Johnson

Johnson isn't historically the most durable, but he's "I spit up blood and still play" tough as nails—similar to Anquan "I break my face and play a few weeks later" Boldin.

He had two straight 1,500-yard seasons in '08 and '09 when healthy for 16 games, and he still pulled in 1,200-plus in 13 games in 2010.

Size, strong hands and a generally dominating presence have made him a constant bright spot for the Texans over their up-and-down history.

Not quite a Larry Fitzgerald in my opinion, but when fully healthy Johnson is a player like few in the league.

Value: 2012 third, 2013 fourth, 2013 seventh 

Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning

Manning has been one of the league's most consistent, productive and durable quarterbacks for more than the past decade.

But now that he is having trouble fully recovering from neck surgery in time to start the regular season, there is reason for concern as to how big of a deal his offseason surgery really was.

Manning is known for his wizardry and command of the offense and is the irreplaceable quarterback for the organization until it decides to move on and for good.

They signed Kerry Collins this week, to which Reggie Wayne responded, "We don't even know him, we ain't vanilla, man, we ain't no simple offense." 

For now, I feel it's impossible to truly gauge Manning's trade value. When healthy, he's untouchable, but part of me thinks he would retire before the organization traded him away.

Value: Undefined or Untouchable

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew

I'll admit that his injury concerns made me a bit hesitant to put him here, but he is a uniquely tough athlete, undersized and skilled.

His work ethic, heart and drive are a staple of the Jaguars organization. He greatly respects them after being passed up by all teams in the NFL draft and in recent years has been set on helping Jacksonville get the program to the next level.

Jones-Drew potentially doesn't have many more years of healthy football under his belt, as he is already struggling with knee problems, and his size adds extra concern. That said, he is one of those guys who always wants to be on the field and is a warrior when he is.

Value: 2012 third, 2013 fifth, 2013 seventh

Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles

Charles is a special player who has been producing ever since he was inserted as a main part of the offense.

Thomas Jones is the bell cow, and Charles is the nifty, dynamic threat in the backfield.

His versatility and breakaway speed will make him a weapon for years to come. If his sickening 6.9 yards per carry and 10.4 yards per catch from 2010 are any indication, Charles could be a unique weapon in this league.

Value: 2012 second, 2013 fourth, 2013 seventh

Miami Dolphins: Jake Long

Long was graded as the top pass-protecting tackle in 2010 by Pro Football Focus, and even though the 2008 No. 1 pick is coming off shoulder surgery, there is little reason to think he'll struggle.

Long is under contract for only two more seasons, which begs the question: Do the Dolphins look to trade him if he does indeed struggle this season?

If he doesn't, they should look to re-sign him ASAP, especially as they transition from a Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams-led backfield to Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas and the future.

The Bills traded Jason Peters to the Eagles for a first- and a fourth-round pick plus an additional pick. Acquiring Long should require something similar.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 third, 2013 sixth 

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson really doesn't need an introduction.

The big concern with him is that he is a free agent after the season. Obviously he is worth the large contract, but the Vikings have Toby Gerhart as a potential power back of the future.

As it may seem asinine to trade Peterson in general, would it be worth it for a rebuilding Vikings franchise?

It's not as though Peterson has been injury-free in his career, and his production has been good enough to warrant a ransom, especially given that his role in the offense could grow this season, as he has been working in recent years to improve his receiving capabilities.

He'd be a heck of a one-year rental, but I doubt the Vikings are looking for tenants. Marshall Faulk was traded to St. Louis for a second- and fifth-rounder; Peterson is a different type of player, for a steeper price.

This is Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey and a second-rounder territory; is Peterson worth more than a young stud Portis was? 

Value: 2012 first, 2012 fifth, 2013 fifth

New England Patriots: Tom Brady

Brady has three rings...and he wants to play into his 40s because he claims he can't imagine his life without football. This one is easy.

Value: Untouchable

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

This one is tricky because his contract is up after the 2011 season.

Brees has already proven that he can go to an organization, turn it around and lead it to a championship. He is a fierce competitor, a strong citizen within the community and the type of quarterback an organization can build around for an entire career.

The Saints have done that with Brees, and Sean Payton would be devastated without his leader of a very complex offense.

The bond Brees has built in New Orleans is seemingly too strong for the organization to dump him via trade, let alone not re-sign him

Especially after a lockout-shortened season, Brees isn't going anywhere.

Value: Untouchable 

New York Giants: Justin Tuck

The Giants wanted a first-rounder for Osi Umenyiora, and Tuck is worth more—especially given Osi's recent surgery. Tuck is a player comparable to Julius Peppers in his early production and has shown no reason to think he'll slow down.

Tuck's contract doesn't pay him more than $4 million a year, and he is a free agent after 2013. His contract is one that you would want to trade for if looking for a premier defensive end.

But the Giants are aware of his value, and I imagine they would be hesitant to give him up, especially knowing how hard it is to find a premier defensive end for a decent price; at the least, they'll be able to re-sign one of their own.

Value: 2012 second, 2013 third

New York Jets: Darrelle Revis

Shutter Island or Revis Island; pick one. 

If I were an NFL receiver, I may pick the former. No surprise that Rex Ryan is already talking this guy into the Hall of Fame.

If he can shake his injury-plagued '10 and regain his form, this should be a fun career to watch.

I don't see Ryan giving up a healthy Revis for any replacement.

Value: Untouchable 

Oakland Raiders: Richard Seymour

We already have a barometer for the trade value of Seymour, as he was traded to the Raiders before the 2009 season for a first-round pick.

He has been productive as the leader for a young locker room, but his age is increasing. Though he seemingly had a career resurgence, the Black Hole has gotten the better of some great players at times.

Given Al Davis' unorthodox methods, I wouldn't be surprised if the price tag has gone "up." I'll simply keep it where it was.

Value: 2012 first

Philadelphia Eagles: Trent Cole

Cole is one of the NFL's premier defensive ends and has missed only two games in his career, which is why he lands on the list over the rest of the Eagles' "dream team."

With Jason Babin now on the other side of Cole and Jim Washburn bringing his aggressive four-man front to the Eagles, look for Cole's numbers to improve.

The Eagles hope to make a Super Bowl appearance and get the ring that Donovan McNabb could not. I'd be hard pressed to believe that the Eagles are shopping Cole, as he is now part of what is potentially a lethal duo on the edge. 

Given the fact that his contract is similar to Tuck and that he doesn't earn any more than $4 million before becoming a free agent in 2014, he is a player the Eagles likely value highly.

Value: 2012 second, 2013 third, 2013 seventh

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger

An up-and-down career, but two rings and counting.

There are few quarterbacks with the strength and ability to extend a play like he can, an ability similar to Brett Favre. As Big Ben continues to mature and grow as a quarterback, he is getting more consistent.

His rededication to the game after his unfortunate off-field incidents in recent times is a promising sign that he is focused on joining the elite pantheon of quarterbacks with three rings.

Value: Untouchable 

San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers

Rivers is in the class of the best quarterbacks yet to reach a Super Bowl; he's got the moxie, skills, intelligence and leadership to win one if he gets there.

If we learned anything so far through this list, it's that the franchise quarterback has an extreme value.

To me, one of the most impressive performances I've ever seen from a young quarterback was Rivers' attempt to beat the Patriots in Foxboro during the 2008 AFC Championship Game with one blown knee. 

Given A.J. Smith's stringent trade demands—exemplified by the bounty the Chargers received from the Giants for Eli Manning on draft day and his refusal to trade Vincent Jackson—Rivers will be tough to get.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 second, 2013 third, 2013 seventh

San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Willis

According to ESPN, Willis has been lifting weights late at night and two to three times per day over the summer and feels great. 

Willis is one of those true premier middle linebackers that comes out of the draft every so often. His production combined with his blend of skills and instincts makes him a player that is ideal for the centerpiece of the defense.

Jim Harbaugh knows the importance of having a middle linebacker like Willis. He brings versatility and leadership to the most important position on the defense.

Willis' services would require a premium price, one I'm not even sure it's worth considering for the 49ers.

Value: 2012 first, 2013 first

Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas

Yes, he's only going into his second season.

But he has a higher ceiling than perhaps any other player on the roster—sans an oft-injured Russell Okung.

Pete Carroll has previously described Thomas as a neophyte and is extremely excited about his potential, willingness to learn and ability to put things together.

Thomas is focused on being a more disciplined player this year, looking to do all he can within the scheme of the defense.

Thomas was taken with the 14th pick in the 2010 draft. The Seahawks see him as a player just beginning to rise and therefore see his value skyrocketing.

My guess is that if Carroll let him go this early in his career, the 12th man would cause a mutiny. As a fan, I'd like to hope E.T. has a permanent home in Seattle. I'm admittedly biased on this one.

Value: Untouchable

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson

Jackson may not be the youngest player, or the most durable, but he is the heart and soul of the organization, not to mention a beast—listed at 6'2", 236.

I see Jackson kind of like Kevin Garnett for the 2008 Celtics, though I'm not declaring the Rams to be Super Bowl contenders.

But as an aging back, the Rams could potentially look to exploit his value, because he can be had for cheaper than others. For now, I think the price to pry him away is high, especially if he remains healthy—but not too high because of his position and age. 

Value: 2012 fourth, 2013 fifth, 2013 seventh

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman

Freeman has shown in a very short period of time that he is on his way to becoming one of the game's upper-level quarterbacks. His unique blend of size, skill and quarterback savvy—along with a great arm—puts him as a quarterback to watch in the near future.

But he's only going into his third year and still needs to prove that he can continue to mature and give the Buccaneers organization a chance to win for years to come.

They invested a first-round pick in him, making him a player you want to keep around to see if he can reach a high ceiling.

Value: 2012 second, 2012 third, 2013 fourth

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson

This is perhaps the trickiest situation to judge in this list.

He is demanding more money than any running back ever. The Titans say they are willing to pay him.

If the Titans were to sign and perhaps trade him, I'm wondering if we would see a Ricky Williams-type deal; the Dolphins paid a first, third and future third for Williams and a fourth. Clinton Portis was traded for Champ Bailey and a second. We'll go for somewhere in there.

Value: 2012 first, 2012 third, 2013 fifth

Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall

Hall has resurrected his career in Washington, improving his durability and statistics over the past three seasons. He started all 16 games in 2010 and had the most productive season of his career.

He is still under 30 and has been in the league nearly a decade. He brings a good blend of experience and skill to a rebuilding Redskins defense; the Redskins may value Hall more than other organizations. 

The Falcons traded Hall to the Raiders after producing similar numbers in 2008 for a 2008 second-rounder and 2009 fifth-rounder; his career then plummeted, only to get back to this point. 

Value: 2012 third, 2013 sixth