NFL Trade Rumors: Peyton Hillis and Best Moves That Weren't Made

The NFL's trade deadline has come and gone. Some moves were made, like Carson Palmer to the Raiders, or Brandon Lloyd to the Rams.

Others weren't made, and that's often what tells the story at the trade deadline. Some trades, or lack thereof, will have teams and their owners kicking themselves.

But in some cases, not making a move was the best thing. That's the case in all of these trades that never happened. 

Asante Samuel

Tuesday, October 18 at 2:02 p.m. EDT

Ryan Messick reported that the Eagles were looking into possibly moving Asante Samuel.

Fortunately for the Eagles and their fans, nothing along those lines happened today. The Eagles have struggled this year, but clearly have the talent in place to make a run. They are not completely out of contention this year.

When they get going into the late season, they will need all the help that they can get. Remember that this is a pass heavy league, and it's not trending away from that.

Even with a good offer, Samuel was just too valuable. If the Eagles are going to get to the Super Bowl, Samuel will need to be a part of the team.

Peyton Hillis

Tuesday, October 18 at 1:30 p.m. EDT

Jay Glazer reported that the Browns are going to keep Peyton Hillis.

There are some moves that go beyond the game, and this is one of them. Remember that Hillis was voted as the cover player for Madden '11.

If you think about that for a second, it means that a Browns' player was basically the most popular in the league.

Yes, you can come up with different reasons for that, but that's unfathomable. The Browns have made one playoff appearance (and lost) since becoming a franchise again in 1999. One of their players receiving an honor like that really speaks volumes.

The Browns need Hillis, and Hillis needs the Browns.

Matt Forte

As was reported by ESPN Chicago's Michael C. Wright, the Bears were not interested in trading running back Matt Forte.

Given that the Bears are 3-3 and still at worst on the outside of contention, this move made complete sense.

Even if they don't get Forte back next year, you can't give up your best offensive player in a season when you're contending.

If the Bears don't get Forte back, it may be frustrating that they got "nothing" for him. Still, this was a move that the team just couldn't make.