NFL Trade Rumors Heating Up with Brandon Lloyd Likely to Be Dealt

According to ESPN and multiple sources, including the Denver Post, Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has been involved in several trade discussions this week. 

According to the report the Broncos would be content with a third, fourth or fifth-round pick in exchange for Lloyd.

Among the interested teams in the report, the Tennessee Titans, who lost Kenny Britt for the season to a knee injury, and the Carolina Panthers.

The news of Lloyd's potential relocation comes just days after the Broncos named second-year quarterback Tim Tebow as the starter.

Many of those around the Denver camp have expressed that Lloyd was a Kyle Orton supporter, who was replaced by Tebow this week as the Broncos starter.

Although it's likely Lloyd's production in 2011 is more the reason why the Broncos are heading in a new direction.

Lloyd leads the team with 283 yards receiving on 19 catches, but those numbers are far from the pace he was on in 2010, when he led the NFL in receiving with 1,448 yards.

With the young receiving talent already on the Denver roster, and Lloyd is set to turn 31 next summer, the Broncos are likely making the right move.

This move could potentially hurt newly named starter Tebow, but will likely benefit the payroll situation in the long run while allowing Tebow to develop without the pressure of making Lloyd happy.

With the trade deadline fast approaching and the rumors running ramped, the Broncos will likely deal Lloyd considering they are going elsewhere under Tebow.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke