NFL trade deadline could see more action than normal

Tim Tebow's promotion has allowed the Broncos to explore trade options for Kyle Orton. (Ron Chenoy/US Presswire)

The NFL trade deadline hits at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, and while we don't often see teams swinging deals with the frequency -- or of the high-profile nature -- of the action at the MLB, NHL or NBA deadlines, there figures to be some movement this year.

There also might be some big names headed elsewhere, with the Broncos at the heart of a growing number of trade rumors. As of Monday afternoon, the Rams had reportedly reached a deal with the Broncos to acquire Brandon Lloyd, but that might not be the end of the dealing.

Some of the players around the league who might be shipped out by Tuesday:

• Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos: Whether or not the Broncos can find a taker for Orton, whatever the price may be, has been a question that's lingered since last year. Orton seemed headed to Miami during the preseason, but the two teams couldn't reach a deal.

The Dolphins no longer appear to be a viable option, but with Tim Tebow apparently taking over in Denver, Orton's days as a Bronco look numbered. Would Denver trade him within the division to Oakland? The Raiders need a quarterback now, after Jason Campbell broke his collarbone Sunday, and the Broncos reportedly wouldn't be opposed to the move.

• Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos: While we're on Denver ...

Lloyd might not be the only Broncos' wideout on the move. Royal has played just two games this year and mustered a measly four catches, so the market for him doesn't figure to run nearly as hot as one for Lloyd.

Still, Royal will be a free agent after this season, so if some team throws a draft pick the Broncos' way, they might be hard-pressed to hold onto him.

• Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals: Thus far, Palmer's held true to his word that he wouldn't play again unless Cincinnati trade him. And at least up until now, the Bengals have refused to budge, starting rookie Andy Dalton and letting Palmer twiddle his thumbs.

But, as already mentioned, Oakland's suddenly desperate for a starting QB. Would the Raiders' appeals pry Palmer out of Cincinnati and away from his pseudo-retirement?

Oh, and just for the sake of covering all the bases, any QB trade discussions probably should include Washington (following Rex Grossman's Week 6 meltdown) and Seattle (where Tarvaris Jackson has been underwhelming).

• Chris Harris, S, Bears: Harris was inactive for Sunday night's Chicago win over Minnesota. And Monday morning, the news came down that the Bears gave Harris' agent permission to explore trade possibilities.

The 29-year-old Harris missed three games with a hamstring injury, then was torched deep by Calvin Johnson in Detroit's win over Chicago last week.

Chicago would not mind hanging onto Harris, especially given the Bears' constantly-fluctuating situation in the secondary, but a trade might benefit both parties at this point.

• Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys: As of Sunday night, Jerry Jones reportedly was receiving calls about Choice's availability. Will Felix Jones' high-ankle sprain, suffered in a loss to New England, change the Cowboys' willingness to part with Choice?

That may be the only reason Dallas holds onto the disappointing fourth-year back. So far this season, Choice has 67 yards on 26 carries -- a miserable 2.6 yards-per-carry average.

• Reggie Wayne/Robert Mathis, WR/DE, Colts: The notion of Indianapolis trading this duo sprung from ESPN's Adam Schefter suggesting that it would make sense for the Colts to trade them. So far, there have been no concrete rumors to suggest that either guy actually will be dealt, but it makes some sense for the Colts to consider it.

Both players will be free agents after this season, and with the Colts potentially looking at a big rebuilding project, it's hard to see either player landing back in Indianapolis.

Wayne might be especially valuable for a team in need of a proven, veteran receiver. He has 27 catches for 390 yards and a TD this year and definitely would bring more value to the table than someone like Royal.

• Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns: It's not often you see a player traded in-season the same year he's on the cover of the "Madden" video-game series, but this has been far from a normal year for Hillis.

The Cleveland back took some major heat for sitting out Week 3 with strep throat, then was replaced Sunday by Montario Hardesty -- the Browns announced Hillis had injured his hamstring, just moments before Hillis reentered the game.

Hillis is coming off an 1,100-plus-yard season but has just 211 yards rushing in 2011.

• Jason Taylor, OLB/DE, Dolphins: On paper, Taylor appears to be a terrific fit for the Houston Texans, who are without rush-linebacker Mario Williams for the remainder of the season. Taylor is no longer the dominant pass-rusher he once was, but he could slide into Williams' spot in Houston's 3-4 and create some havoc.