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Denver Broncos: Grading the team’s biggest moves of 2019

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 16-15. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 16-15. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Emmanuel Sanders #17 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Emmanuel Sanders #17 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Trading Emmanuel Sanders to 49ers

Grade: A

John Elway said at his end-of-season press conference that trading good players is not in his nature, so it was hard to part with Emmanuel Sanders who has been so good for the Broncos since 2014.

In hindsight, the Broncos made the right call here, acquiring 3rd- and 4th-round picks for their former star receiver who was frustrated with his role and — like everyone else — probably frustrated with the team’s ineptitude at QB.

Sanders was traded to the 49ers where he has thrived, and the 49ers are the top seed in the AFC. Sanders has undoubtedly made them better this season, and became the first player in NFL history to catch a pass in all 17 regular season weeks.

The Broncos have valuable additional draft capital, including two picks in the top four rounds from the 49ers. Even though those picks are near the bottom of each round, they are going to be huge for the Broncos either as depth pieces for the roster or bartering pieces in trades.

Next. Broncos 2020 mock draft update. dark

Considering Sanders was not likely to re-sign in Denver after the season, the Broncos made off really well here.

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