The NFL’s trade deadline is as anti-climactic as they come, but with Broncos trade rumors swirling about every single year, there are still deals to be made and if this face is any indication, I think we might see another move before Tuesday’s deadline…
“We’ll have to see.”
Those were John Elway’s words on Monday when asked if the Broncos would make any more trades before Tuesday’s deadline, and it seems as though there might actually be something in the works. The Broncos are set to place rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo on injured reserve with shoulder surgery and they clearly have a need at that spot with Tyler Polumbus and Ryan Harris splitting reps.
Gary Kubiak was adamant that Sambrailo, when healthy, would take over the starting left tackle spot and I don’t think the Broncos had originally planned on putting him on season-ending IR.
Let’s get back to that in a moment. I want to take a look at five different trade scenarios that could make some sense for the Broncos as we approach the deadline on Tuesday…
Next: Trade Option #1
Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) jogs onto the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Option #1 — Pull out all the stops for Joe Thomas, OT, Cleveland Browns
As I was saying before, I don’t think the Broncos planned on placing Ty Sambrailo on season-ending injured reserve. Let’s look at a quick little timeline of events here, which may or may not be related…
- The Broncos go through a full week of practice with Sambrailo, though limited at times. Looks on pace to possibly play vs. Green Bay.
- Sambrailo is listed as ‘Doubtful’ at the last minute (Friday)
- Rumors emerge on Sunday that Joe Thomas (OT) and Alex Mack (C) are on the block in Cleveland.
- Rumors emerge that Joe Staley (OT, 49ers) can be had in a trade.
- Rumors of Russell Okung (OT, Seahawks) being traded emerge.
- The Broncos announce Sambrailo will miss the rest of the season (Monday)
- John Elway trades for Vernon Davis, doesn’t rule out further moves
If you are a trade deadline conspirator, you might think the Broncos were up to something.
A trade for Joe Thomas makes a ton of sense from a football standpoint. The Broncos need someone to replace Sambrailo over the course of a long season, and there are reports the Browns are willing to listen to a deal. The trade doesn’t make a lot of sense in terms of the fact that the Broncos don’t necessarily have the draft pick real estate to facilitate a move with Cleveland, so they might have to get creative.
Perhaps the inclusion of a guy like Cody Latimer, a wide receiver with a ton of upside, or even a Brock Osweiler (?!?!) would get a deal done. Still, all of that seems like a long shot and something that might only happen in a franchise mode of a Madden video game, but then again, look at the Broncos’ roster…
Next: Trade Option #2
Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) during warm ups before the game against the Washington Redskins at Levi
Trade Option #2 — trade for Joe Staley, OT, 49ers
We all know Joe Staley could use extra reps against DeMarcus Ware, and adding him as the left tackle to this offense would be something that could put the mind of Peyton Manning at ease a bit.
Trading for Staley would likely require some kind of contract restructure, as he is guaranteed quite a bit of money after this season, but from a football standpoint again, this move makes sense.
Not only that, but the 49ers appear to be having a dumpster fire sale. Colin Kaepernick was just benched for Blaine Gabbert, Vernon Davis is already on his way to Denver, and we know Gary Kubiak wants to run the ball. Adding Staley would be a nice upgrade move for the Broncos and there have been reports that he’s definitely available.
Next: Trade Option #3
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Option #3 — trade for Russell Okung, OT, Seahawks
For the same reasons that the other trade options make sense, acquiring Russell Okung from the Seahawks would seem to make sense for the Broncos if he’s available, which Adam Schefter oddly suggested in a column on ESPN about 5 trades that should happen, but won’t.
Schefter suggested that Okung be traded to the Broncos’ arch nemesis New England, but if he’s available (Schefter suggested for a 4th round draft pick…) then the Broncos should absolutely pounce. They could even throw a tackle Seattle’s way if they needed someone to start in the interim, but Okung is a player that is likely to leave Seattle after this season anyway due to an expiring contract and a number of other deals that need to be made up in the Pacific Northwest.
For the price, the fit, and the cap situation, this might be the move the Broncos are able to make. Seattle could have interest in a player like Kayvon Webster as well with the Broncos as deep as they are at corner, but who knows if John Elway will be even willing to touch the defensive side of the ball right now? They are playing out of their minds. Don’t do anything to wreck that.
Next: Trade Option #4
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Option #4 — trade for Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/KR, Vikings
What’s that? The Broncos trading for another receiver?
From a roster standpoint, this move would seem to make no sense, and it’s probably not going to happen, but I still feel like the Broncos really need an explosive returner to round out their special teams unit, and if Patterson is available, he’s coming at a very reduced price and the Broncos can afford it. Even if it’s not Patterson, exploring an option for a kick/punt returner would seem to be a decent idea for the Broncos.
I have always liked Patterson’s playmaking ability, but he’s been unable to stay in the lineup for Minnesota since his rookie year. Vikings fans would probably say he’s been a colossal bust, but there’s a lot of talent there still, and the Broncos need a returner.
Next: Trade Option #5
Aug 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenjon Barner (34) celebrates after scoring a 94-yard punt return touchdown during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason NFL football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Option #5 — trade for Kenjon Barner, RB/RS, Eagles
This was something I’d suggested back in the preseason, and I still think it could pay dividends.
The Eagles are obviously deep at running back, and they are deep at the return spots. They have no need for a backup running back and punt returner who doesn’t ever see the field, and the Broncos could hook them up with a player or draft pick compensation — something — to get Barner onto the field where he belongs.
He showed off impressive return skills in the preseason and even some ability on offense. The Broncos are currently just carrying 3 running backs on the roster, so there would potentially be room for Barner if they chose to upgrade their special teams.