After Von Miller, what Broncos might be next up on the trade block?
Nov 1, 2021, 10:40 AM
Will the Broncos be “buyers” or “sellers” at the trade deadline? That was the question of the day in Denver, as the NFL’s cutoff point for making in-season deals is Tuesday afternoon.
After beating Washington on Sunday, a victory that improved their record to 4-4, the Broncos are certainly still alive in the race for the postseason. That would make trying to acquire some reinforcements, particularly at positions that have been hit hard by injury, seem like a good idea.
But anyone who has watched the Broncos the last month would be hard pressed to argue that they’re a playoff team. After a 3-0 start, Denver dropped four-straight games and then squeaked by a bad Washington team to finally end their skid.
The don’t look like a contender. They don’t pass the eye test.
That being the case, trading away veterans would seem to make some sense. The Broncos could potentially stockpile mid- and late-round draft picks by shipping players who aren’t a part of the team’s long-term plans to contenders in need.
Was that the route that the Broncos were going to go, however? As of Monday morning, no one seemed to know for sure.
“I told (George Paton) to do what he feels he needs to do,” Fangio said during his Monday press conference. “I have not tried to influence him.”
Well, the answer came. About 10 minutes after the head coach stepped away from the podium, news broke that Denver was trading Von Miller to the Rams. The Super Bowl 50 MVP is arguably the greatest defensive player in franchise history.
If the Broncos are willing to part ways with Miller, then almost anyone on the roster is an option to be moved. The next 24 hours will be interesting at Dove Valley.
Derrick Henry is injured. Perhaps the Titans would be interested in Melvin Gordon.
Jameis Winston got hurt on Sunday. Maybe the Saints would want Teddy Bridgewater to return to The Big Easy.
Kareem Jackson could help a team in need of secondary help.
Anyone who is unlikely to be back in 2022 is a candidate to be traded. Anyone who is blocking a younger player from getting more playing time is an option to be moved.
Jonathon Cooper replaces Miller. Javonte Williams would fill the void left by Gordon. Drew Lock would step in for Bridgewater. And Caden Sterns would take Jackson’s place.
It makes sense. It’s turning the page to next season and beyond.
George Paton has made his move. He’s looking toward the future.
