Brandt Advises Broncos Deal Brandon Lloyd for Jimmy Clausen
By Zach Grove
In an interesting piece published this week on NFL.com, senior analyst Gil Brandt discusses trades that ought to get done before the trade deadline this Tuesday. Brandt–a distinguished scout who most recently predicted Cam Newton‘s success at the pro level–has turned some heads with his proposal of what John Fox and John Elway should do with wideout Brandon Lloyd.
"Three-way tradeDenver trades Kyle Orton to Miami for a draft pick, which the Broncos then package along with Brandon Lloyd in a deal with Carolina for Jimmy Clausen.The Broncos named Tim Tebow their starter this week, but this move would give them two young QBs to develop and let the best one win. Coach John Fox drafted Clausen, who started 10 games as a rookie, when he was at Carolina."
Huh?
While the Broncos have plenty of holes to fill on their roster, this suggestion is a head-scratcher. The Broncos not only need to decide if Tim Tebow is the franchise over the next eleven games, but the organization also has fellow former first-round pick Brady Quinn sitting on the bench. Still, Brandt recommends grabbing a third high profile QB with questionable credentials.
Kyle Orton and Brandon Lloyd are both in contract years. It is a near-certainty that Orton will not be back in 2012, so moving him for any draft pick makes sense.
But what about Lloyd? The ninth-year receiver has been a revelation in Denver, contributing Pro Bowl numbers, loyalty to his teammates, and cirque de soleil-like catches. The fact that the Broncos are willing to trade him hints that Fox and Elway might know something that we don’t.
With downfield threat DeMaryius Thomas and slot receiver Eddie Royal set to return from injuries, coupled with the emergence of Eric Decker, Tim Tebow will have plenty of weapons in the passing game.
While Clausen might not be the best compensation for superstar Brandon Lloyd, the Broncos will listen to offers for Orton and Lloyd that will make this team stronger in the future.
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