NFL Trade Rumors: Carson Palmer Speculation Returns

I'm not even sure what this is, other than speculation based on the fact that Carson Palmer has yet to officially send in his retirement papers. And because Palmer hasn't officially retired, trade rumors have popped back up, with the Seattle Seahawks at the forefront again. Is there anything to it? Nobody knows, but Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is ready to speculate.

Here's what Florio had to say on 710 ESPN this morning.

"I think he specifically hasn't retired because he wants to retain the ability to show up out of the blue next week," Florio told "Brock & Salk" on Monday. "And if he shows up out of the blue next week -- Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday -- the Bengals have to decide pretty quickly to keep him and pay him what will become, as of Week 1, a guaranteed salary of $11.5 million, or get rid of him.

As of last week, the Cincinnati Bengals had plenty of room to pay Palmer. But as we know, Bengals' owner Mike Brown has shown no willingness to deal with Palmer, or to deal him to another team. If Palmer does miraculously become available -- which, again, is a long-shot at this point -- the Seahawks would have to be in the discussion.

In the end, though, it's all speculation and nobody knows what's going on. Palmer could show up this week and force the Bengals' hand, but there's been no indication he's willing to head back to Cincinnati. And thus, the stalemate.

We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

Taylor Mays Traded To Cincinnati Bengals, According To Report

Seattle native Taylor Mays has reportedly been traded to the Cincinnati Bengals after the San Francisco 49ers made it clear he was not in their long-term plans a few weeks ago. During the whirlwind free agency bonanza, the 49ers reportedly sent a mass email to every NFL team, letting it be known that Mays was up for grabs if a trade could be worked out. Now, after spending two preseason games in limbo, the 49ers reportedly found a buyer.

According to 950 KJR's Dave "Softy" Mahler, the O'Dea High School grad is headed to Cincinnati.

Per Source: #49ers S Taylor Mays going to #Bengals via trade. Working on details

Without details, we're all flying blind, but it's hard to imagine the Bengals giving up much of a price for Mays. Despite his off-the-charts athleticism, the safety out of USC has struggled, becoming a gifted athlete without a real position as a result. Now he'll head to Cincinnati, looking for a fresh start in an effort to finally get off the ground, hopefully making strides on the defensive side of the ball along the way.

While I'd love to say giving away Mays for what will likely be a late-round draft pick weakens the 49ers, it's probably not the case. He was clearly on the outs with the coaching staff and the hype surrounding him, stemming from his time at USC, has yet to match his production on the field

For more on Mays and the 49ers, head over to Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area. For more on the Bengals, head over to Cincy Jungle.

NFL Trade Rumors: Taylor Mays Reportedly On The Block After Jim Harbaugh Emails The League

Where is the love for Taylor Mays, the freak athlete from O'Dea High School? Mays is a physical specimen, possessing all the tools to be a successful football player, but also possessing plenty of question marks. While his size and speed are incredible, his football IQ, and ability to play the safety position, left some wondering if he could be successful ahead of the NFL Draft. Now it appears San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is among those skeptical of Mays.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers send out a mass email about Mays on Thursday afternoon.

I have no idea what Harbaugh is doing here, but it's weird. It's not often an NFL head coach sends out a mass email to teams begging them to take a player in a trade. It's also not often a player as young as Mays is thrown up on the auction block.

This is where we throw in the obligatory Pete Carroll reference. Carroll coached Mays at USC and you can bet some will make the connection, wondering if the two will be reunited in Seattle. Do the Seahawks need Mays? Not necessarily, and especially not at a high price. But if San Francisco is willing to send out a fire-sale email, one has to wonder how desperate Harbaugh is to unload him.

We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For more on Mays and the 49ers, head over to Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area. For more on the Seahawks, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora Loses Chance To Seek Trade

The New York Giants have reportedly told Osi Umenyiora he is not to seek a trade, according to a report on Wednesday morning. Earlier in the week, Umenyiora's agent had been given permission to work out the particulars of a trade on his own, but something changed in the last few days. Umenyiora has been on the block after expressing unhappiness about his contract situation, leading to demands for a trade.

According to Mike Garafolo, the Giants rescinded permission to seek a trade because no teams were willing to give up a first round pick.

The person, who requested anonymity because the talks were to remain private, said the team's reasoning was Umenyiora's agent, Tony Agnone, has been unable to find a team willing to give up a first-round pick. A report in the Baltimore Sun Tuesday said the Giants had lowered their asking price for Umenyiora, though today's decision demonstrates the team's valuation of Umenyiora on the trade market has not changed.

So everyone is back to square one again. No teams were going to give up a first round pick no matter what, and if the Giants truly planned on moving Umenyiora, his price would have to come down. While a second-round pick would be realistic, it now appears the Giants front office are ready to play hard ball in an effort to receive the highest-possible compensation for Umenyiora. It may be a negotiating ploy or the Giants may be serious about keeping their talented defensive end.

We'll be back with more on Umenyiora as it becomes available.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora In Demand As Price Drops; Seahawks Have Trade Pieces

Osi Umenyiora may be the hottest realistic trade target in the NFL right now. With the New York Giants reportedly unwilling to restructure his contract, Umenyiora asked for a trade, receiving permission from the team to work out his own deal earlier this week. But Umenyiora's services come with a steep price, both in a contract sense and trade sense. And even though the Giants have lowered their price -- reportedly asking for a second-round pick instead of a first -- there's still a ways to go before Umenyiora is moved.

There are conflicting reports about whether or not the Giants will take anything less than a first-round draft pick. On Tuesday, John Clayton seemed to hint that the price had come down. But on Wednesday, he was less sure.

We'll see if things pick up today on the Osi U. front. If the Giants are willing to take less than a No. 1, things could start happening.

The Seahawks are in a unique position with regards to Umenyiora. If Seattle is involved in trade negotiations, it may have a new trade chip in play, as mentioned on Tuesday. With Zach Miller now in the mix, John Carlson -- with one year left on his contract -- is somewhat expendable, even with Pete Carroll telling the media both fit into the Seahawks plans. Carlson could be dangled as trade bait, perhaps allowing the Seahawks to send a lesser draft pick to New York.

Seattle has the pieces to make a deal work, but the price -- even if it is a second round pick or Carlson and a later draft pick -- is steep. With the rebuilding process underway, draft picks are as valuable as ever for the Seahawks, making it tough to see Seattle part with an early-round pick for Umenyiora, who is pushing 30.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora's Trade Price Drops From First To Second Round Pick

Baltimore Orioles beat reporter tweeted late Tuesday night that the price for Osi Umenyiora may have fallen. It was reported earlier that the Giants didn't want to part ways with Umenyiora, and as a result were asking for a first round draft pick. Now it seems they're willing to go as low as a second rounder, which increases the number of teams interested.

Earlier reports were that the Seahawks might include in a trade John Carlson, due to a redundancy at Tight End after the Zach Miller signing, to try and drop the New York Giant's asking price. If the Giants are lowering their asking price outside of any individual negotiations, it should be even easier for the Hawks to grab the coveted defensive end.

The Seahawks are one of five teams reported to be interested in Umenyiora. The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots are reported to be the front runners.

For more on the Seahawks, check out Field Gulls. For more on the Giants, there is Big Blue View.

NFL Trade Rumors: Would Osi Umenyiora For John Carlson And Draft Pick Work For Giants & Seahawks?

Keep in mind this is John Clayton, and John Clayton likes throwing chocolate chip cookie dough at a wall of trade rumors to make it look tantalizingly sweet. That being said, let's progress forward.

The Zach Miller signing for the Seattle Seahawks could mean that current starting tight end John Carlson might be displaced, and thus might be out. Seattle could very well look to try and deal him now to try and get the other player they've been coveting lately--New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

The Giants weren't willing to part with Osi for anymore than a first round pick, but that price might drop if they can add in Carlson to the deal. This could also clear up any compunctions for the Giants to keep Kevin Boss, and then dominoes start falling throughout the league, and the Buffalo Bills make the playoffs. (Ok, maybe the butterfly effect isn't that strong.)

For more on the Seahawks, Field Gulls is where you want to be. For more on the Giants, Big Blue View is your destination.

NFL Trade Rumors: Seahawks Interested In Osi Umenyiora, Price Remains Steep

Osi Umenyiora is coveted by a majority of the teams in the league, but it appears as if a few franchises at least have definite interest in acquiring the talented defensive end. The price for acquiring Umenyiora will be very steep, though, and the Giants do not necessarily want to trade him.

From this report courtesy of Pro Football Talk:

They reportedly started trade negotiations on Monday by letting teams know they wanted a first-round pick in return. Any interested team will also have to give Umenyiora a new contract, so that trade price seems prohibitive.

Two things could be at play here:

1. The Giants don't really want to deal Umenyiora.

2. They are just starting the negotiating off on their terms, and will be willing to accept a lesser offer.

This should not come as a surprise. No team wants to deal their star players and the Giants want a top-level return for their asset. Who could blame them?

From the same article:

ESPN's Adam Schefter says it has become clear no one will give up a first-round pick for Umenyiora, who has been watching training camp from the sidelines. Vacchiano says the Giants won't come off their first-round pick asking price (at least for now) and Umenyiora is unlikely to play for the Giants at his current salary.

This leaves an interesting dynamic to the whole scenario. As of right now, no team would be willing to part with a first round pick to acquire Umenyiora. This could all change in a matter a moments, though, especially if a team the defensive end is interested in decides to bite the bullet and give New York what they are asking for. It's something to keep an eye on.

As for where we stand at this moment, it appears anything is at a standstill and any potential deal could take a while to get done. 

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora's Price Has To Come Down For A Deal

Osi Umenyiora was reportedly given permission to begin working out a trade on Monday morning, which would make it seem like a deal may be close. In reality, though, there's a long way to go before the New York Giants send him on his merry way. The Giants don't plan on letting Umenyiora walk for pennies, and seem to be holding steadfast in asking for a top-end draft pick.

The latest Umenyiora update comes from NFL.com and tells us what we've expected all along: a first-round pick in a trade is too much for the Giants' defensive end.

Tony Agnone, Umenyiora's agent, contacted several teams Monday about the defensive end, according to league sources. But, as expected, teams aren't biting at the Giants' current asking price, although receiving a second- or third-round pick is feasible, sources told La Canfora. If the Giants lower their stance, ample potential for a deal exists.

Nobody was ever going to send a No. 1 to New York for Umenyiora. It just wasn't realistic, nor was it feasible. However, it wouldn't be surprising if the Seahawks were interested in the big defensive end if he cost a second- or third-round pick.

According to the report, the Seahawks aren't along, with the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots each reportedly showing interest. On Sunday, Umenyiora reportedly expressed interest in Seattle, though nobody quite knows if it's mutual or not as of now.

For now, all talks seem to be in a holding pattern, with the Giants having to relent and accept a less-valuable draft pick if a deal is going to get done. On the plus side, at least we know the Seahawks aren't throwing a first-round pick around and plan on keeping what may end up being a top-half draft pick.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora Given Permission To Work On Trade

The Osi Umenyiora saga continues, but there is some tangible progress on Monday morning. According to a report. the ball is now in Umenyiora's court, with the New York Giants reportedly giving him the green flag to work out a trade. Umenyiora may be interested in the Seattle Seahawks, with reports over the weekend indicating as much. For now, though, it looks like his time in a Giants uniform may be nearing an end.

The report comes from Sal Paolantonio, and lays out what may be happening in the ongoing disagreement between Umenyiora and the Giants front office.

The #Giants have given Osi Umenyiora's agent permission to work out a trade for the 2-time Pro Bowl DE, sources told Sal Paolantonio.

As we said Sunday, Umenyiora could be costly. The Giants reportedly want a first-round draft pick, a steep price no matter the player. Instead, it may cost a second-round pick, and whoever acquires Umenyiora, if anyone does at all, would have to sign him to a long-term extension.

For now, the Giants are allowing Umenyiora to choose his own adventure, though it's likely the team has plenty of say about the trade pieces in play, should his agent get a deal worked out. We'll keep trade of the Umenyiora situation as more becomes available.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Thoughts On Osi Umenyiora, Draft Picks And The Seattle Seahawks

Outside of Lofa Tatupu, the big Seattle Seahawks news of the day is the report indicating Osi Umenyiora may want to be traded to Seattle. Umenyiora has been one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, helping anchor a New York Giants defensive line that's been a terror on opposing offenses in the pass. The Seahawks, and many teams, could use a pass rusher like Umenyiora.

But it's going to cost them. According to reports, the Giants want a first-round draft pick for Umenyiora if they're going to part ways with him. He's clearly unhappy, and considered a hold-out before relenting, making it at least plausible that he's moved sometime before the season. Even with Umenyiora publicly lobbying for a trade, the Giants hold leverage, and will naturally look to maximize value in any deal.

Will it actually cost a first-round? It's unlikely. Instead, the Giants are setting the bar high first and may relent if negotiations get serious. This is how trades and negotiations work, in the NFL and elsewhere. One side sets the bar high, the other sets it low and the actual deal falls somewhere in the middle. In this case, it would probably take a second-round pick to pry him away from New York, or some kind of similar package.

Would the Seahawks pull the trigger and add Umenyiora? I don't doubt John Schneider and Pete Carroll would love to have him in a Seahawks uniform. But the price has to be right. From observing free agency, I get the feeling the Seahawks are looking to hang onto 2012 draft picks and build the team by adding young talent. If the Seahawks ever were in on the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes, they were unwilling to part with a first-round pick, and the same can likely be said about Carson Palmer, at least at present. And no, I don't buy the Bengals flat refusing to trade him; It can be done with the right price.

The first-round pick in 2012 is important for the Seahawks, serving as a bridge to the future. No, this isn't a "Suck for Luck" endorsement -- and I don't buy into that either, for many of the reasons Rob Staton wrote about. But there are multiple top-flight, potential franchise quarterbacks available in the 2012 draft and the class does have some seem to have some depth. If we've learned anything this week, it's that the Seahawks are looking to get younger, building a nucleus around talent entering its prime.

While Umenyiora would have an immediate impact on the Seahawks and could serve as an anchor on the defensive side of the ball, I don't think Seattle will sell-out, so to speak, to acquire him. If Schneider does want to chase him, any deal will come if he's able to talk the Giants down and keep early-round draft picks. A deal could happen, but it's going to take some creativity from the Seattle front office, and even then Umenyiora's contract situation has to be cleared up along the way -- he's looking for a raise, the Giants seem to be unwilling to restructure his contract.

Be excited about the prospect of Umenyiora in Seattle -- though we're still in the rumor stage -- but temper the excitement with reality. There's still quite a few moving parts and a price-tag that has to come down significantly for a trade to make sense.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora's Price Could Be A First-Round Draft Pick

Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants was arguably the best of the defenders in Super Bowl XLII, and his pass rush abilities in Steve Spagnuolo's defensive schemes were beyond parallel. So it makes sense that if the Giants were to trade Osi to the Seattle Seahawks per his requests, they'd want something in return. New York wants a draft pick, and a particularly high one at that, reports John Clayton of ESPN.

During the conversation between the Giants and Osi U, the team told him if they would shop him they would ask for a No. 1 pick

Is Osi worth a number one draft pick? Possibly. He is one of the best 4-3 edge rushers in the league, and he'd fit in perfectly well in Seattle on a team that could use pass rush. But he also turns 30 in November and his time in the league cannot be projected to be very long. You'd have to think Seahawks management would want to barter that down, but this could be New York's way of saying, "Back off, he's ours", and try to scare Seattle away from pursuing the defender.

For more on the Giants, check out Big Blue View. For the Seahawks, Field Gulls is your destination.

NFL Trade Rumors: Osi Umenyiora Interested In Seattle Seahawks

With a slew of big names remaining in proverbial limbo in the NFL the Seattle Seahawks are keeping their eyes peeled and ears open for possible additions to their squad. The latest name that could end up wearing a Seahawks jersey in 2011 is the New York Giants' defensive end Osi Umenyiora. 

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Umenyiora would like to make a move out to the Northwest:

Umenyiora is possibly looking for a change of scenery/mind set under head coach Pete Carroll, but the question is what would it take for the Giants to trade a play like Osi? Draft pick compensation would have to be rather high, as well as the possibility of letting go of other quality players already on the Seahawk roster. I'd have to assume that Seattle would look very seriously at adding Umenyiora, another anchor on the D-Line and two time pro bowler. 

Osi had offseason surgery on a lingering hip problem, and underwent a physical with the Giants earlier on Sunday to check his progress. Umenyiora is looking for a new contract or a trade to a team that will give him boost in pay, and has two more years and approximately $8 million left on his current contract.

For more on the Seahawks, head over to Field Gulls to get your fix. 

Kevin Kolb Traded To Arizona Cardinals, Signs Large Extension According To Report

And with that, the Kevin Kolb trade is reportedly over and done with. According to reports on Thursday morning, Kolb is headed to the Arizona Cardinals and has worked out the terms of an extension worth a significant amount of money. The Cardinals were seen as the leading suitor for Kolb heading into the 2011 league year, with the Seahawks also reportedly making a play before backing away and signing Tarvaris Jackson.

Kolb will reportedly receive a five-year extension worth a boatload of money, in addition to the trade pieces given up. Kolb reportedly cost the Cardinals Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick.

Kolb and #Cardinals agree to five-year extension for over $63 million with over $20 mill guaranteed, per @caplannfl.

For the Cardinals, it's a large risk. Kolb is widely viewed as a capable starter, but has proven little in his time with the Eagles. And while the Arizona quarterback situation is in hilarious disarray, the Cardinals are locking up a ton of money in a franchise quarterback that's a bit of a mystery.

While many are less than confident in the Seahawks quarterback situation, it was probably a smart idea for Seattle to pass on the Kolb sweepstakes. For now, the Seahawks will go with stop-gaps at quarterback -- either Jackson or Whitehurst -- and hope to find a franchise arm during the 2012 offseason.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Kevin Kolb To Arizona Cardinals Almost Done, According To Report

At one time, the Seattle Seahawks were in on the Kevin Kolb trade sweepstakes. But Seattle peeled off, instead opting to go cheap by bringing in Tarvaris Jackson as a stop-gap to compete with Charlie Whitehurst for the starting quarterback job. And while the Seahawks may still go get another quarterback during the free agency period, that quarterback will not be Kevin Kolb.

According to ESPN's John Clayton, a deal that would send Kolb from Philadelphia to Arizona is almost complete. The Cardinals are reportedly giving up quite the haul, sending Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a draft pick to the Eagles for Kolb.

Breaking news. The Kevin Kolb trade is close to being completed. DR Cromatrie and a draft choice expected. Details coming as we get them

Arizona will also have to renegotiate Kolb's contract, and the price is expected to be high. All things considered, it was probably wise of Seattle to back off. Overpaying for Kolb, both in the trade market and in contract negotiations, would take a big chunk of the Seahawks free agency money, not to mention the pieces Seattle would need to give up to acquire Kolb.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Kevin Kolb Sweepstakes Still Includes Seattle Seahawks

The Kevin Kolb sweepstakes is off and running, and the Seattle Seahawks are reportedly involved. During the NFL lockout, the Arizona Cardinals emerged as the front-runner to land Kolb, with some going so far as to call it a done deal. On Tuesday morning, teams were given the green light to begin negotiating contracts and making trades, and Kolb could be one of the first quarterback dominoes to fall.

Over at National Football Post, the Seahawks are mentioned as a possible landing spot for Kolb in what appears to be an NFC West battle for his services.

Per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a league source informed him not to sleep on a Seattle organization that reportedly offered up a first-round pick for Kolb last offseason.

As of 10:00am Tuesday morning, the Eagles were free to trade Kolb, but have yet to pull the trigger after a hectic morning of signing undrafted free agents.

The Seahawks have options, but little in the way of clarity at the quarterback spot. Matt Hasselbeck is still in play, though the Tennessee Titans appear to be the front-runner to land his services. Carson Palmer still wants a trade, though the Cincinnati Bengals told reporters he has retired. As is the case with all the Seahawks quarterback options in the market, there's many unanswered questions.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

Carson Palmer Reportedly Retires; Cincinnati Bengals Play Hardball

Carson Palmer is serious about wanting out of Cincinnati and has reportedly retired to get his wish. Palmer has been adamant that last season was his final season with the Bengals, going so far as to threaten retirement if Cincinnati refused to trade him. Owner Mike Brown has been steadfast in his assertion that Palmer will not be traded, with everything coming to a head on Tuesday morning, the first day teams can negotiate with free agents and make trades.

Brown told reporters that Palmer has retired this morning in what's become a high-stakes game of chicken between the two sides.

"He has retired. I wish him well," Brown said, via Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "If he is going to walk away from his commitment, we're not going to reward it."

But has he actually retired? Odds are this is a ploy to force the Bengals hand. If Cincinnati were to trade Palmer, the team would at least get something in return for his services. There are potential suitors for the veteran quarterback, including the Seattle Seahawks, and the Bengals should be able to acquire a draft pick, at the very least.

Palmer has enough money to ride off into the sunset, so there's nothing keeping him in uniform, either with the Bengals are elsewhere. But this game is just beginning and a lot can change with Palmer in the next few weeks.

Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.

NFL Trade Rumors: Kevin Kolb, Carson Palmer Could Be Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Targets

The Seattle Seahawks need to build a roster from almost the ground up on a limited time-frame, making this week all-important for both the coming season and the future of the franchise. While the Seahawks do have money to spend in free agency, there are multiple avenues to pursue in an effort to bring in talent and replace players departing in free agency. Beginning on Tuesday, the trade market opens, and the Seahawks will likely be players in it. The NFL trade rumors are about to pick up in Seattle.

If nothing else, Seattle will have its name linked to numerous quarterbacks, including a few of the names we've heard for months. They include Kevin Kolb and Carson Palmer, the former of which is destined to be traded and the latter of which desperately wants to be traded, though the Cincinnati Bengals appear reluctant. Both would immediately address a serious need in Seattle, but both will also cost a pretty penny.

The Kolb rumors swirled to life again earlier this month, but have died down since. At one point, Dave "Softy" Mahler reported the Seahawks offered a first and third round draft pick for Kolb's services, though Field Gulls' Danny Kelly rightfully questioned the assertion.

If the Seahawks planted the story with Mahler, through an agent or directly, it means they're trying to drive up the price the Cardinals would have to pay for Kolb. If this is the case, hooray for John Schneider and company. If the Eagles are the ones doing the planting, so be it. They're entitled to try and get as much as possible for their now-backup quarterback. I just hope the Seahawks are no longer in the running, especially if it is for the price of a first and third round pick.

At this point, it appears likely Kolb will head to Arizona to play for the Cardinals, though nothing is set in stone. The Seahawks seem to have backed off Kolb due to the price, and the Cardinals have been the front-runners for quite some time.

Palmer, on the other hand, wants out of Cincinnati, even threatening retirement if he's not traded. But the Bengals' ownership has been reluctant to make a deal, telling the media a trade is not on the table. If Rob Staton, of Seahawks Draft Blog, is to be believed, a trade may, in fact, be on the table and forthcoming.

Seahawks Draft Blog has been reporting trade talks between Seattle and Cincinnati for a long time now. The parties talked through a deal and we’ve received information that a trade could be forthcoming. We also understand that Palmer is Pete Carroll’s preferred option at quarterback. We’re not the only ones who aren’t ruling out a trade either – Sam Farmer at the LA Times suggested it could happen, Pat Kirwan reported only this week that he’d spoken to a Bengals source that suggested Mike Brown was not totally against a trade, former Bengals receiver and current NFL analyst Chris Collinsworth suggested Brown will trade Palmer and Shawn Zobel reported earlier this month that league insiders were assuming Palmer would be dealt.

Of all the rumored trades, this could be the most preferred one. Palmer could be a serviceable stop-gap, and would allow the Seahawks to move forward while fielding a competent team in 2011. He's not spectacular and his production has declined, but perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good.

Teams can begin to make trades on Tuesday at 7 a.m., making for an eventful day. Check out the full league year schedule here. We'll be back with more on the Seahawks trade rumors in this StoryStream. For even more Seahawks news and notes, head over to Field Gulls.