What moves make sense for Denver at the trade deadline?
By Adam Uribes
· General
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· 2 min read
As fun as it is to imagine a name like Chris Olave or TJ Hockenson making their way to Denver, what is more likely to happen is some roster tweaking toward the backend.
With the trade deadline looming, the Broncos are being mentioned as potential buyers, with the team linked to players at tight end, defensive back, and inside linebacker, all of whom are presumed to be on George Paton's wish list.
As fun as it is to imagine a name like Chris Olave or TJ Hockenson making their way to Denver, what is more likely to happen is some minor roster tweaking. Still significant and more likely to materialize than a blockbuster trade being worked out with Denver bringing in a big name.
So, ranking the rumors in order of most to least likely, where can the Broncos upgrade their current roster?
Tight end****
This is the spot that seems to come up anytime trades are being discussed, and several credible sources, not just Google but actual people, have reported that the team is ‘monitoring the market”. If coach speak can be applied to NFL GMs as well, you can file this in the “Well, duh” section. Spoiler Alert: Every personnel department monitors the market; it's their job. Still, it's an indicator that Denver would like to improve on what they have been getting from Adam Trautman.
Does a trade to supplant or complement Evan Engram with a big name like Hockenson make sense? In short, no. But, with the Broncos bringing in old man Marcedes Lewis for a workout today and the loss of versatile tight end, Lucas Krull, heading to IR, the team does have some depth issues to address. Does a trade make sense for a backup? Maybe, but picking up a developmental project at the deadline, while an improvement technically, won’t be front-page news.
Cornerback****
A new addition to the list after the injury to Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos are in a unique and fortunate position, seeming set to weather the injury for the duration indicated. Denver is only carrying five defensive backs on the roster at the time of writing, so it stands to reason that bringing in another body for depth reasons makes sense.
Here is an important thing to consider: finding enough quality defensive backs for ANY team is a challenge, and having enough bodies to potentially part with one via trade doesn’t happen a ton. Is there a guy out there that can be had? Possibly, but teams may have to overpay for that kind of commodity. But this spot may dictate something being done with so few defensive backs on the roster as it sits.
Wide Receiver****
No, this isn’t a typo. With a report that the Broncos have “made calls” about Rashid Shaheed today, at the very least, Denver is scoping the market in a very visible sense. Even though some interesting names have been thrown out as trade targets, it has to be countered with the actual feasibility of it happening. Which, if we’re being honest, is hedging towards no.
Seriously, Cortland Sutton is the alpha of the group and the woobie blanket to Bo Nix. Troy Franklin, especially after this week versus Dallas, is developing into the other wide spot opposite Sutton. Squint and you see a little Michael Thomas in rookie Pat Bryant's games, making him a prime candidate to do damage in the slot. Don’t forget Trent Sherffield, who has had some flashes in preseason, rounding out the group. Mix in Engram and Marvin Mims as the “Jokers” in the offense, and seeing where you can improve on that is….not easy.
If Denver gets a player at the right price, you make the deal 10/10 times, but this one just doesn’t mesh, especially considering how young the group is and how much their potential is going to hinge on them seeing playing time. Put this one down as unlikely.
It’s been the opinion of some that rumors lately have been overblown to say things are happening when this is largely day-to-day operations for any team. Still, Denver does have some defects that can be smoothed over with the right trade. Does that mean a big name is on the way to the Mile High City? Probably not, but it will be entertaining at the least.
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