Report Card for Every Major 2011 NFL Trade

This 2011 NFL offseason featured several high-profile trades, including deals for Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth and Kevin Kolb. As it typically goes, some trades worked out, while others failed.

The biggest surprise is the failed trade by the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick is seen as a football god who never makes a mistake. Still, he didn't fare too well with his recent reclamation projects.

An under-the-radar trade received my highest grade; scroll through the slides to find out which one.

Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals

Trade: Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in 2012

Arizona Cardinals Grade: C+

Kevin Kolb's play hasn't been great, but it hasn't been a disaster either. Arizona needed a long-term answer at quarterback, and Kolb fills that need. Keep in mind that Kolb only has 16 career starts under his belt, which is equal to one full season. His best football is still ahead of him.

Kolb's struggles this season are not entirely his fault. He is stuck dealing with a below-average offensive line and limited weapons outside of Larry Fitzgerald. Kolb's play can be described as average with some signs of promise.

Philadelphia Eagles Grade: B-

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has failed to make an impact. He is being used mainly in nickel packages and has struggled to find consistent success. The acquisition of Nnamdi Asomugha has forced Rodgers-Cromartie into this uncomfortable role.  

Kolb was selected with the 36th pick in the 2007 draft. At this point, Philadelphia would land the 43rd pick in the 2012 draft. Arizona has tough games remaining against the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks. That pick could look a lot better by the end of the season.

Rodgers-Cromartie is still a talented player who will eventually get back on track. The combination of Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick is a nice haul for a backup quarterback.

Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins

Trade: Reggie Bush for Jonathon Amaya

New Orleans Saints: B-

The Saints' grade is based on the addition of Darren Sproles. New Orleans saved a ton of money by moving Bush, and it replaced him with a more productive player. Sproles has 952 offensive yards, while Bush has 904 offensive yards. He also has contributed several clutch kick/punt returns.

Moving Bush also prompted the Saints to draft Mark Ingram. He gives the Saints a between-the-tackles presence, which provides some variety in their offensive attack.

Miami Dolphins: B-

Reggie Bush is having a nice season in Miami. He has been able to remain healthy and provide some explosive plays. The Dolphins were desperate for an experienced running back, and Bush was able to fit the bill.

The fact that Miami only gave up Jonathon Amaya really solidifies the B- grade.

Chad Ochocinco to the New England Patriots

Trade: Chad Ochocinco for a fifth-round pick in 2012 and a sixth-round pick in 2013

New England Patriots: D

Bill Belichick places a high value on draft picks, which is why this trade is graded so harshly. He would have only made this deal if he felt Ochocinco would produce. New England still lacks someone capable of stretching the field, which it expected to get from Ochocinco.

Ochocinco's time in New England has been a complete failure. He only has 12 receptions and zero touchdowns. Ochocinco is barely seeing the field and at one point was expected to be released.

Cincinnati Bengals: B-

The Ochocinco trade was more about clearing a distraction than acquiring an asset. Cincinnati was looking for a fresh start with a new quarterback, Andy Dalton, and playmaker, A.J. Green. Ochocinco was connected to many seasons of failure.

This trade also saved the Bengals some money, which they used to sign free agents.

Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots

Trade: Albert Haynesworth for a fifth-round pick in 2013

New England Patriots: D+

Haynesworth wasn't able to make an impact and was later released. However, since he wasn't a distraction, there were some positive aspects to the trade. Belichick's value on draft picks played a major part in the D+ grade. It also limits the Patriots' resources for future reclamation projects. 

I gave this trade a slightly higher grade than the Ochocinco trade. Haynesworth actually made more of an impact than Ochocinco, even if he was only on the roster for a few weeks.

Washington Redskins: D+

The positive is that Washington was able to avoid another season of distraction. Haynesworth had a negative impact on the entire football team. I can't imagine being in that locker room, knowing how much money he received and watching him slack off. This had to be terrible for team morale.

Moving Haynesworth needed to be done, but it still stings to waste that amount of money.

Brodrick Bunkley to the Denver Broncos

Trade: Brodrick Bunkley for a conditional 2013 draft pick

Denver Broncos: A

Brodrick Bunkley's impact won't show up on the stat sheet. He makes his impact by occupying blockers, allowing the linebackers to cleanly flow to the football.

Denver is winning football games based on the play of the defense. Bunkley has been a major reason for the defense's success. This is the most underrated trade made during the 2011 league year.

Philadelphia Eagles: F

For much of the season, Philadelphia has struggled to stop its opponents' rushing attack. Trading Bunkley and adding Cullen Jenkins had a lot to do with those struggles. Jenkins prefers to penetrate the pocket rather than occupy blockers.

Bunkley would have really helped the Eagles' young linebacking corps by providing them with clean paths to the ball-carrier. Philadelphia chose the sexier player who made plays in the backfield rather than the one who fit the team.

Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings

Trade: Donovan McNabb for a sixth-round pick in 2012 and conditional pick in 2013

Minnesota Vikings: C+

McNabb wasn't able to resurrect his career in Minnesota, but he did serve a purpose. His presence allowed the Vikings to ease Christian Ponder into the starting role. McNabb also provided Ponder with some good mentoring.

McNabb has dealt with a lot of different controversies in his career. He has handled all of them with class and poise. That is something every young quarterback should try to emulate.

Washington Redskins: D

The Redskins lost a lot of money and two draft picks for one season with Donovan McNabb. Two late-round picks do not make up for that blunder.

I honestly feel that they should have kept McNabb on the roster. Rex Grossman and John Beck have not worked out. Keeping McNabb would have given them a little more bang for their buck.

Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers

Trade: Greg Olsen for a third-round pick in 2012

Carolina Panthers: C

The Panthers are finding out what the Bears already know: Greg Olsen is very talented but struggles to consistently produce. He currently ranks No. 17 in tight end receiving totals with 41 receptions and 472 yards.

Carolina likes to utilize its tight ends, which is what makes these numbers disappointing. Olsen also doesn't provide much blocking, so all of his value is based on his receiving totals.

The Panthers surrendered a third-round pick and gave Olsen a new contract expecting more production than this.

Chicago Bears: C-

Mike Martz's system doesn't have a lot of use for a pass-catching tight end. He prefers to use tight ends who are capable of blocking. However, Chicago didn't have enough playmakers to move Olsen. It is in win-now mode.

After watching Roy Williams drop several important passes, I bet they wish they still had Olsen. Chicago would have been better off lining Olsen up at wide receiver than signing Williams.

Jabar Gaffney to the Washington Redskins

Trade: Jabar Gaffney for Jeremy Jarmon

Denver Broncos: F

Jarmon has a lot of athletic ability but has not been able to put it all together. Denver released Jarmon prior to the start of the season. He remains a free agent.

Denver added Jarmon in hopes that he would be able to play defensive tackle, but he was unable to make the adjustment from a 5-technique defensive end.

Washington Redskins: B

Prior to this trade, Washington was thin at the wide receiver position. It wanted to add some veteran depth, which Jabar Gaffney provided.

Gaffney has provided more than depth. He is currently the team's second-most productive receiver with 46 receptions, 665 yards and three touchdowns.

Gaffney has one more year left on his deal.

Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens

Trade: Lee Evans for a fourth-round pick in 2012

Baltimore Ravens: C-

This grade is based on what I feel Lee Evans will accomplish. If Evans makes one big playoff reception, he will be worth a fourth-round pick. Baltimore is in win-now mode, and Evans is capable of helping them win now.

However, three receptions on the season is a major disappointment.

Buffalo Bills: C+

Buffalo was ready to move on from Lee Evans, who had seen a decline in production. A fourth-round pick is good compensation for Evans based on his production and salary.

This trade also allowed the Bills to get a better feel for Donald Jones and David Nelson. Both appear to be keepers and part of the Bills' long-term plans.

Tim Hightower to the Washington Redskins

Trade: Tim Hightower for Vonnie Holliday and a conditional 2012 pick

Washington Redskins: B-

Tim Hightower will never be a great NFL running back, but he is capable of being productive. At the very least, he provides the Redskins with some depth. Prior to his injury, Hightower was the team's leading rusher.

Hightower provides some versatility, as he is a good pass-catcher and blocker. He is more than reliable as a third-down running back.

Arizona Cardinals: D+

The idea behind unloading Hightower was to provide rookie Ryan Williams with more carries. After Williams' injury, the Cardinals were only left with the injury-prone Beanie Wells. Arizona would have been wise to hang on to Hightower as insurance.

Holliday, however, has provided the Cardinals with good depth and leadership.

Carson Palmer to the Oakland Raiders

Trade: Carson Palmer for first-round pick in 2012 and second-round pick in 2013

Oakland Raiders: B-

The Raiders are in win-now mode. Acquiring Carson Palmer brings them closer to earning a playoff berth. Palmer is taking some time to get acclimated to the offense, but he is taking positive steps each week.

This move gives the Raiders an answer at quarterback for the present and future.

Cincinnati Bengals: A

Cincinnati held out and got the most value for Carson Palmer. Acquiring a first- and second-round pick for a retired quarterback is an absolute steal.

The quick development of Andy Dalton makes this trade look a lot better. If Cincinnati didn't have a clear direction at quarterback, some would have questioned moving Palmer.