The Denver Broncos reportedly have enough suitors for Aqib Talib that they will be able to trade him, and not forced to release him…
The Denver Broncos will not have to release cornerback Aqib Talib, according to the latest report from Mike Klis.
Klis notes that while ESPN’s report from Wednesday is true — that Talib trade talks happened with the San Francisco 49ers, but don’t seem likely to amount to anything — Talib’s preference to go to the Patriots will not cause the Broncos to just release him.
"Still, New England is one of several teams the Broncos have engaged in Talib trade talks. Although the Broncos hope to deal Talib by the start of free agency next Wednesday, there is no rush to move him because none of his remaining contract is guaranteed until 53-man rosters are set on September 1.The trade market appears strong enough for Talib that the Broncos are not expected to release him, as he may hope. Officially, Talib has no say in whether he is traded or to whom.Mike Klis, 9News"
So, despite what many who have speculated that Talib is too old to command much in a trade, there is some kind of market for his services and the Broncos have no rush to get rid of him at this point in time.
Of course, before they would sign a big money free agent, trading Talib doesn’t make a ton of sense unless they can get value. This isn’t the NBA where the Broncos are just out to clear a bunch of contracts to bring in any big name free agent that comes along.
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It would be really interesting to see the Patriots — who don’t have a ton of cap space — trade for Talib. It’s definitely possible for them to fit him under their cap this season, but it will take some maneuvering.
As Klis notes, it matters if Talib wants to go to his new destination. He isn’t going to want to play for the Browns. Apparently he doesn’t think the 49ers are close enough to compete, or doesn’t like the idea of relocating to the Bay.
There may be a little bit of urgency for the Broncos to get a deal done with some team in regards to Talib, because Richard Sherman could soon become available possibly as a free agent. Teams that might be interested in acquiring Talib might also be interested in Talib, though Talib will likely cost less and is fully healthy.
Hopefully the Broncos can recoup some kind of value for Talib, though my expectations are somewhat lowered by the fact that his impending departure has been made public.
The fact that there are multiple teams bidding for his services works in Denver’s favor.