New Kids on the Block: Potential Quarterback Trades Could Shake up 2011 NFL Draft

As the NFL Draft approaches, the pressing issue at hand for the league is getting a new collective bargaining agreement. I won’t bore you with the details of the greedy feud between owners and retired players, but without a new deal, there can be no trades of players and no free agency.

This is particularly pressing now because there are some prominent names that could be available via trade this offseason, specifically at the quarterback position. Not coincidentally, there are roughly a dozen teams that could/will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or a trade.

Let’s take a look at some of the quarterbacks who could be available via trade this offseason, and I’ll even go so far as to predict where they will all wind up.

1.  Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles, 26 years old

Before the 2009 season, everyone in the NFL knew the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the best quarterback trios in the NFL, but I don’t think anyone knew it was THIS good. Donovan McNabb is arguably the best quarterback in team history, and in the 2010 offseason, he was dealt to the division rival Washington Redskins. Mike Vick was brought in as a wild card, a guy who could come in for certain packages and be something of a gimmick player.

The future of the team was supposed to be third year player Kevin Kolb, who was handed the reins to the team in the 2010 offseason. Kolb appeared to be regressing a bit while Mike Vick seemed to have regained a bit of what he had as a 25 year old when he was going to Pro Bowls with the Atlanta Falcons.

Kolb was hurt against the Green Bay Packers early in the season, opening a door for Vick, and the rest is history. Vick was an absolute superstar for the Eagles, leaving the future of Kolb up in the air.

Now, he’s being rumored as the top quarterback on the open market. I have not seen enough of Kolb to make that declaration, and what I have seen has been quite average. The Eagles reportedly want a first round pick or more for Kolb, and I do not think any team is going to give them that. What I could see is a deal similar to the one for Donovan McNabb where the Eagles received what was equivalent to a first round pick without it actually being a first round pick.

Prediction–I predict Kolb will either stay with the Eagles, or be traded to the Arizona Cardinals, who are in desperate need of a long term solution at the position.

2. Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins, Age 34

Ironic that McNabb would be available a year after being traded to the Redskins, and not even half a year after he was re-signed to a monster contract extension (which he will need to meet incentives to earn). In my opinion, McNabb is either going to be traded or cut. He just doesn’t have that “it” factor anymore, and was benched in favor of Rex Grossman. If a team wants to give up a 4th round pick, I think that might get it done. But for right now, McNabb is simply a stop-gap and a big name.

He will really need to prove the doubters wrong in order to regain that respect.

Prediction–McNabb will likely be cut or traded this offseason, and I think he’s going to either Minnesota or Arizona to be a fill-in while they develop a young guy.

3. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos, Age 27

Kyle Orton was benched after an atrocious outing against the Arizona Cardinals late in the 2010 season for rookie QB Tim Tebow, who ignited a spark in a seemingly dead organization. While the jury is still out on Tebow, there is not a doubt in my mind that he is the man who will be leading the Denver Broncos going forward.

Orton gave the team two solid years, and this year, he was over 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. Much of his production came in the late stages of the game when there was no pressure, but he certainly had his share of moments with the Broncos, and is a top 15 quarterback in the league.

I think Orton will be attractive on the open market to some teams, specifically those teams who feel they are close to a title.

Prediction–Orton should wind up as the starting quarterback for a team like Minnesota, San Francisco, Miami, or Tennessee. I could easily see him going to Minnesota, a team that feels like they are on the cusp as long as they have solid QB play.

4. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, Age 31

Palmer is probably not going anywhere. The Bengals would likely want a lot more for Palmer than they could get, especially with his contract and the way he played in the 2010. He simply has regressed, and the Bengals are the only team who is going to pay him that massive contract he is owed.

Prediction–Palmer goes nowhere. He will be a Bengal, but an interesting landing spot would be in Seattle with his former head coach at USC, Pete Carroll.

5.  Vince Young, Tennessee Titans, Age 27

Young is an interesting player to look at. A scenario that intrigues me is Seattle. Pete Carroll coached against Young in the 2005 National Championship game, and he could maybe ignite a spark into that Seahawks franchise. I don’t see that scenario as likely, however. One team that has been linked to Young is the Minnesota Vikings, who have had their share of scrambling quarterbacks throughout the years.

Young has been battling injuries throughout his career as well as some apparent mental health issues, but the fact that he’s been to two Pro Bowls is a testament to his ability on the field and as a leader. Young isn’t pretty, but for the Tennessee Titans, he was some kind of spark at times, and helped them to the playoffs.

This past year, he was benched in favor of Kerry Collins, and a change of scenery is going to be absolutely necessary for him.

Prediction–I predict Young will be traded for a fifth or sixth round pick sometime in March or early April, quite possibly to a team like Minnesota or Miami.