NFL Trade Speculation: 3 Possible Trades That Should Shake Up the League

The NFL trade deadline takes place on October 18. As the league begins to take shape some players may be requesting a trade by the end of the weekend, which could shake up the balance of power within the league.

Usually trade speculation is just that, speculation. However, that does not mean things could not materialize and become reality overnight. There might be a couple of guys you might be surprised to hear requesting trades.

Then again, some of you might not be surprised at all if you've followed along closely.

Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer has grown tired of the endless circus act in Cincinnati. During his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer threw for over 22,694 passing yards with a 62.9 percent career completion rate.

He voiced his displeasure and desire to leave during the offseason. Palmer even stated he would be willing to retire if Cincinnati's front office didn't adhere to his requests.

Well, it looks like the Bengals have found their quarterback of the future in Andy Dalton. So maybe it's time for them to wise up and trade the man and get something in return. That would simply be smart business.

The Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and possibly even the Dallas Cowboys would be interested in the quarterback. Of these teams, the Dolphins seem to be the front runners going if a trade were to take place before October 18.

Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Plain-Dealer has reported that Peyton Hillis could file a request to be traded before the trade deadline. Reports out of Cleveland say that Hillis and the Cleveland Browns front office have yet to come close in terms for a new deal.

The Plain-Dealer also mentioned that the team's stance on the issue includes the fact that they believe Montario Hardesty has a "higher ceiling" for success than Hillis. That's not exactly something you want leaked to the media unless you want to send a message.

Things could get ugly in Cleveland as the week progresses.

Possible suitors have yet to be identified but rest assured someone might be willing to take a chance on the ground-and-pound running back.

Matt Forte

In case you have been sleeping through the first five weeks of the NFL, Matt Forte has burst onto the scene as one of the more dangerous running backs in the league. He showed signs of being the player he is now in 2010 but not as consistently as he's done thus far.

Forte has averaged 5.4 yards per carry on the ground and 11.92 yards per reception through the air. He has been the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears offense through their first four games, but is getting paid like a scrub.

The Bears and Forte were in talks after the lockout about a contract extension but neither side could come to an agreement. If the Bears lose to the Detroit Lions tonight, they will be sitting with an overall record of 2-3 and a division record of 0-2.

It's a long shot but if Matt Forte demands a trade it will shake up this league. The majority of teams in the NFL would be willing to take a gamble on the running back, whether they had to trade a player or draft picks.