Denver Broncos Acquire A.J. Derby From Patriots

The Denver Broncos have traded with their AFC rival New England Patriots by sending them a 2017 5th Round Draft Pick for tight end A.J. Derby.

Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak mentioned the lack of production at the tight end position. John Elway must have heard him and went out to get his friend another tight end.

The New England Patriots traded tight end A.J. Derby to the Denver Broncos. In exchange, the Broncos send a fifth round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to their big time rival.

I would have to agree with trading for a tight end. It was one position that the team was looking to address. Virgil Green, Jeff Heuerman, and John Phillips have not been getting the job done in that department.

More from Predominantly Orange

• Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
• Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
• Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
• The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
• Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC

In fact, the Denver Broncos tight ends only have one touchdown, COMBINE, in the first seven games of the season. That is a bit stunning.

Tight end is one position that Gary Kubiak really wanted to utilize more in his offense, but so far the three tight ends on the roster have not been performing up to the task.

Virgil Green has been dealing with an injury for the majority of this season. John Phillips has the one touchdown among the tight ends, but hasn’t been doing much. And Jeff Heuerman has still not seen much of the field.

A.J. Derby is a former quarterback converted to tight end from the University of Arkansas. He spent most of his time as a quarterback before moving to tight end. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Patriots in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Will the trade for A.J. Derby help the tight end position for the Broncos? Only time will tell.