Where Potential Denver Broncos Trade Candidates could end up

Derek Wolfe, DL (By Shelby Manning)

Derek Wolfe has been a vital part of the Broncos’ defense since the Peyton Manning era, and played a huge role in the Super Bowl success of the Broncos, who boasted the most dominant front seven in the league at the time.

The Denver Broncos drafted Derek Wolfe in 2012, and he has been a fan favorite throughout his career, mainly for his leadership in the locker room, his monstrous build at 6’5″ and 284 pounds, his fearlessness and his mean personality and playing style.

A guy like Derek Wolfe is a guy you want to have on your team. Unfortunately, his time with the Broncos may be coming to an end soon. The four-year extension he signed in 2016 expires in 2020.

The Broncos will need to make a decision on him, and it would not be surprising if they were to attempt to trade him to play out the remainder of his contract elsewhere.

Although not quite yet 30, Wolfe has been plagued by injury, especially after his stint on IR in 2017. He has been quite banged up as of late, although has not missed any significant time. The Broncos may be looking to get younger and healthier at the defensive end position that Wolfe currently fills.

What could the Broncos get in return?

With Wolfe’s age and injury history, the Broncos are likely not looking at a high pick if they were to deal Derek Wolfe.

He is efficient, but he is not always on the field.

While it is possible the Broncos could potentially get another player in return for Wolfe, they are likely looking at a 3rd-5th round pick, and 3rd round is more likely if they were to agree to terms with a team that is in win-now mode and desperately needs a defensive end.

What teams could be interested

Atlanta Falcons

Although it does not appear the Falcons look to be winning right now, they may be a team in the mix to inquire on the availability of Derek Wolfe, especially now that it is rumored that they will be putting defensive end Vic Beasley on the trading block.

Like many teams that are sinking rather than swimming, the Falcons may look to build up draft picks for the future. However, Wolfe would be a cheaper option at D-End that will still give them solid production.

It is also worth nothing that the Falcons are ranked as the worst defense per Pro Football Reference and 21st overall versus the run; they may look to beef up a few positions, and Wolfe is efficient against the run.

Seattle Seahawks

Although Seattle’s defense has been one of the best over the past few years, the Seahawks have quietly struggled against the run this year, ranked at 20th.

Over the past couple of seasons, the Seahawks have unloaded many of their expensive defensive guys, minus obtaining Jadeveon Clowney this season.

The Seahawks may be interested in trading for Wolfe and possibly giving him an extension if he were to perform well for them.

Seattle has guys like Clowney and Ziggy Ansah, but they could use Wolfe for a boost.

Kansas City Chiefs

Although it is unlikely that any Denver Broncos players will be traded in the division, it would not be surprising if Kansas City at least picks up the phone to inquire about the asking price for Wolfe.

The Chiefs are one of the only current playoff-potential teams sitting in the bottom five ranked against the run besides the Cleveland Browns, and the Chiefs are ranked 31st.

Kansas City obtained Frank Clark, the former Seattle Seahawk, and have Emmanuel Ogbah, but they are pretty bare at defensive end. Wolfe would likely be a welcome addition to beef up against the run.

While this move would make sense, again, do not anticipate it will happen; inner-division trades are pretty rare.