Broncos stand pat at the trade deadline, keeping Harris and Wolfe
Despite being in a position to be sellers at the deadline, Denver decided to pass on the offers they received for veteran players
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Well, that was much ado about nothing.
For the better part of four weeks, debate has raged around Denver about whether or not the Broncos should trade away veteran players in an effort to stockpile draft picks for what appears to be a rebuilding process that will commence in earnest this offseason. That’s what happens when a team starts the season 0-4.
Throw in last week’s trade of Emmanuel Sanders to the 49ers, followed by a loss to the Colts that dropped them to 2-6 and the news that Joe Flacco will miss time with a neck injury, and it seemed inevitable that other players would be moving. The Broncos figured to be busy heading up to the NFL trade deadline.
If they were, it was all behind the scenes. At the end of the day, Denver didn’t trade away Chris Harris Jr., Derek Wolfe, Von Miller or anyone else.
While that news be frustrating to fans, it appears to have come down to a simple business decision. At least when it comes to Harris and Wolfe.
Both players are free agents at the end of the season. If either leaves via free agency, Denver will receive a compensatory pick in the 2021 draft. So in order to be willing to move the cornerback or defensive lineman, a team would’ve had to offer equal or greater value in 2020; the Broncos would only be interested if it improved their situation.
According to Mike Klis from 9News, that type of offer never materialized.
Lions were only team that made offer for Chris Harris Jr. Their offer was not as good as 3rd-round pick. Eagles expressed interest in Harris but never got to point of making an offer. By keeping him, Broncos figure to get 3rd compensatory draft pick for Harris in 2021. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) October 29, 2019
The Eagles and Lions kicked the tires on Harris, as both teams try to build upon their current .500 records (4-4 and 3-3-1, respectively). But neither were willing to part with a day two pick to secure the cornerback for half of the season.
This is a wise move by the Broncos. As D-Mac pointed out on Twitter, however, it also shows how unwise a different decision related to Harris was earlier in the summer.
So the broncos basically didn’t get more value than they will get with a compensatory pick. So keeping Harris makes sense even if they lose him. The value for Harris was just not that great. Which of course makes giving him free cash look silly. They didn’t need to.
— Darren McKee (@dmac1043) October 29, 2019
As for the other players rumored to be on the trading block, the Broncos didn’t come close to making a deal.
Despite some reports out there, Von Miler was NEVER on the trading block, per team source. He has two years left on his contract. Harris was only Broncos player who drew trade interest in last two days. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) October 29, 2019
So other than at quarterback, it’ll be business as usual on Sunday for the Broncos. Now, the question becomes whether or not they want keep Harris and Wolfe beyond this season. And whether or not the two veterans have any interest in staying.
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