NFL Trade Speculation: 11 Players Who Could Be on the Move

The NFL trade deadline is generally the least exciting deadline among the major sports. There is always a ton of speculation and proposed trades that make sense for both teams, but in the end, not much actually ends up happening.

That said, the speculation that's going to happen over the next few days could easily turn into an overnight reality, and key players could be packing their bags to move across the country. 

There are 11 players who just might do that. Which ones are they? Read on to find out.

10-11. D.J. Williams and Brian Dawkins

Possible Destination: Philadelphia Eagles

I went ahead and grouped these two together because the Eagles would like to get both of these guys in a package deal. It's a good deal for the Eagles because it gives them a solid linebacker to plug holes in the middle and the great veteran leader they lost when they traded Brian Dawkins away a few years ago.

The Broncos would be gutting their defense in favor of building for the future. However, that's not a terrible idea, considering they've already given the starting quarterback job to Tim Tebow and are looking to offload at least one of their big wide receivers.

D.J. Williams is only 29 and that could make the Broncos hesitant to deal him, but Dawkins is 38 and unlikely to play much longer. If Denver can get a few quality draft picks out of him before he retires, they would be smart to do so. That said, while I could see this happening, it might be hard for both teams to come to terms. 

9. Carson Palmer

Possible Destination: Seattle Seahawks

Even though the Cincinnati Bengals have made it pretty clear that they won't trade Carson Palmer, I still had to put him on the list because that stance could turn at any moment. I really don't think Palmer is finished in this league, and the Bengals would be dumb not to try to get something out of him while they still can.

The Seahawks are currently starting Tarvaris Jackson as their quarterback, and he's been hit by an injury in recent weeks. To say that they could use a solid, veteran quarterback would be an understatement. Palmer may not make them a Super Bowl contender, but he would give them a much better chance to win.

As I said earlier, the Bengals' stance on Palmer is that they won't trade him and are going to let him stay retired. That's a silly stance to make when you could get at least a mid-round draft pick out of the guy. To just let him sit around and do nothing when you could help your team by trading him is just bad business. 

8. Jimmy Clausen

Possible Destination: Washington Redskins

The era of Cam Newton has begun, and its first casualty is fellow quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Clausen was a second-round draft pick in 2010, but now sees himself firmly planted behind Newton. It doesn't look like he has much of a chance to have a future with the Panthers, and it would be good for him to get out.

The Redskins are one of the destinations that Clausen could be looking at. Rex Grossman has shown his true colors with four interceptions this week. John Beck isn't exactly the best player in the league, so Clausen could come in and use his second chance to turn his talent into a starting quarterback job in Washington.

If the Panthers can get a draft pick or two out of this, they should do it. Newton isn't a small guy like Michael Vick who forces you to insure him with a high-quality backup in case he gets injured. They need to surround Newton with playmakers, and trading Clausen could help them do that.

7. Asante Samuel

Possible Destination: Detroit Lions

The Philadelphia Eagles have three starting-quality cornerbacks on their team. They could really use some help in other positions on defense, so they would be smart to trade one of them and get some help in other areas. 

Asante Samuel is the most likely of the three players to be traded. He's five years older than Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and he isn't as good as Nnamdi Asomugha.

The Lions aren't quite as stacked as the Eagles in the secondary and could really use a guy like Samuel to keep up with the Green Bay Packers in the race for the NFC North. Plus, the Lions could send the Eagles a defensive lineman because they have so many good ones.

This trade makes a lot of sense on paper. Both teams would give up a player from one of their strongest units while gaining one in a weaker unit. It seems like a win-win for both teams, but we'll see if the owners agree and make it happen. 

6. Kyle Orton

Possible Destination: Miami Dolphins

The biggest thing holding this back is Kyle Orton's contract. Any team that takes him on is going to have to figure out a way to afford him. That said, this trade could happen because the Dolphins thought about paying Orton earlier in the offseason.

The Dolphins could use a quality starting quarterback, and Orton has proven that he can be accurate and play within himself. He might not be the gunslinger that is Aaron Rodgers, but he can do enough to keep his team in a game.

The Broncos are now starting Tim Tebow at quarterback, which is what makes Orton expendable. However, they need to surround Tebow with talent if they plan on making him a quality starter. Picking up a few draft picks for Orton could be the answer they're looking for.

5. Peyton Hillis

Possible Destination: Detroit Lions

This one makes the list because of Peyton Hillis' recent contract negotiations. It looks like the two sides aren't going to come together anytime soon, and Hillis could put in a trade request to try to move the process along more quickly.

If the Browns decide they don't want to resign the Madden 2012 cover athlete to a long-term deal, they could look to trade him to a team like the Lions. The Lions lack a between-the-tackles runner and could use a guy like Hillis to bang out short yardage, while speedster Jahvid Best breaks big runs outside the box.

The Browns would be losing a good back, but they could get multiple picks out of him and use that to quicken the rebuilding process. More than likely, this trade won't happen, but if Hillis and the Browns can't come to terms, this might be the best option for both sides. 

4. Rashean Mathis

Possible Destination: Saint Louis Rams

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the middle of a rebuilding project and will need as many draft picks as possible to help turn the team around. The Rams were supposed to run away with their division crown but have had lots of troubles at various positions, including the defensive backfield.

This trade could help out both teams. The Rams would get one of the better cornerbacks in the league, instantly upgrading their secondary. The Jags would get at least a mid-round pick and possibly another lower-round pick. 

That said, this trade is unlikely to happen right now. The Jags need draft picks, but they also have a pretty shaky cornerback situation behind Mathis. This one just might not make enough sense right now, but there's always a chance that rumors could turn into the real thing.

3. Eddie Royal

Possible Destination: Carolina Panthers

The first of two Denver Broncos wide receivers widely rumored to be on their way out, Eddie Royal has reportedly asked for a trade from management. The Broncos are looking to get rid of their star receiver Brandon Lloyd (more on him later), and they might also ship Royal out of town along with him.

The most likely destination for Royal looks to be Carolina. The Panthers could really use another threat opposite Steve Smith, and Royal could easily fill that role. This Carolina team is obviously looking to put the ball in the air often and hopes Cam Newton can make his magic happen. Giving him more threats is only going to help.

This one could happen because it helps the Panthers out a lot and doesn't really hurt the Broncos too much. The passing attack in Denver is going to go downhill with Tim Tebow at the helm, and the Broncos have plenty of other receivers to put on the field. Don't be surprised to see this one happen on Tuesday.

2. Jason Taylor

Possible Destination: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans recently lost Mario Williams to injury and are in need of a pass-rushing linebacker to take his spot. Jason Taylor isn't nearly the player he used to be, but he could be just the guy defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs.

Taylor wouldn't be as productive as Williams, but he wouldn't be a bad option for the Texans defense. He can still get after the quarterback and might even make a return to form in Phillips' 3-4 defense. 

The Dolphins would likely get a draft pick or two in return for Taylor, and considering he's closer to 40 than 30, that might not be a bad thing. They would get value out of him before he retires, and the Texans would get a guy who can somewhat fill the gap left by Williams.

1. Brandon Lloyd

Possible Destination: Saint Louis Rams

Brandon Lloyd is the one player on this list who I think will be traded to no matter what. However, I'm still not sure which team he'll go to. Plenty of teams out there need a No. 1 receiver, but I don't think anyone needs one more than the Rams.

St. Louis was poised to have great season, but Sam Bradford hasn't been able to find anyone he can hook up with consistently. Lloyd might be able to fill that gap and finally turn the Rams' season around. He's made it clear that he wants out of Denver, and the Broncos would make a big mistake if they don't trade him, considering he's set to be a free agent after this season.

That last sentence is the only reason Lloyd might not get traded. Teams may decide they don't want to send Denver a draft pick or player when they can just wait to pick him up this year. That said, I think the Rams are the most likely team to pull the trigger and give Bradford the main target he needs.