Five possible Aqib Talib trade matches for the Denver Broncos

If Aqib Talib is on the trade market this offseason, where might the Denver Broncos look to make a deal? We explore five different options…

We hate Aqib Talib trade rumors as much as anyone, but the reality is, it might actually happen.

So we have to talk about it.

Mike Klis has now reported on consecutive days — in print and on radio — that Talib is likely to be shopped this offseason. Klis didn’t necessarily have to say it, but this could also lead to Talib eventually being released outright due to his $12 million salary cap hit this season, and $1 million dead money number.

Well, if Talib is going to be traded (or at least shopped in a trade), which teams around the league would be a good fit?

We’re going to take a look, but let me state something first of all:

Releasing Aqib Talib is not the only option.

Many will try and tell you that the Broncos will have no choice but to cut Talib, because of the fact that at this point, the writing is on the wall. The Broncos could very well eventually have to release Talib, but he I personally feel like he’s going to have a trade market.

Why?

First and foremost, this guy is still a very good football player. Second, Talib’s contract is very interesting in that, while it’s a little on the expensive side in 2018 ($12 million cap hit) it is substantially cheaper in 2019, dropping to $8 million, and with no dead money.

Getting a player like Talib for an average of $10 million per season is a bargain in a market that is going to exceed $15 million for top cornerbacks.

That means in 2019, some team is going to be paying half price compared to market value for Talib if they trade for him.

Let’s explore those options, which include teams that obviously have both a need for a cornerback as well as the cap space to accommodate Talib’s contract.