Denver Broncos: Players who could be traded before 2020 season

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 22: Tim Patrick #81 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during starting lineup introductions before a game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Which Denver Broncos players could be traded before the 2020 season?

The Denver Broncos have not exactly had the most attractive depth around the league over the past few seasons.

After three offseasons of good drafting, however, the Broncos’ depth is looking much stronger than it has in recent years, which could lead to some preseason trades ahead of the 2020 regular season.

What usually motivates teams to trade? There are a few major factors.

Injuries

Every year, injuries arise around the league that force teams to make trades. If teams are low on the waiver priority order, their best bet is to trade late-round draft assets for guys who could actually help them rather than just pick off the scrap heap.

Strong pre-draft evaluations

When teams get new coaching regimes, prospects whose potential is yet unrealized can be acquired via trade for pennies on the dollar.

If a team had a strong pre-draft evaluation on a player who is entering their 2nd-4th season in the league, it’s possible to see those players traded and acquired for a decent price, especially if they are coming from a team that has made front office/coaching changes.

Scheme/coaching fit

If a team is looking to make a trade, one of the factors that is often very important is the player’s connection to a coach on the staff of the team acquiring them.

Sometimes when coaches move on to new teams, one of the ways they can have early success is to bring along players who know their scheme already, and that is often also favorable to the player.

Contract

One of the main motivators in trading and acquiring players through trade? Their contract. If a player is on a rookie deal, they are a very attractive trade piece. If they are on an expiring deal, the trading team is probably more likely to make a move.

Because teams eat dead money in trades in the NFL, you rarely see deals made for players with a ton of guaranteed cash left on their deal or large dead cap hits.

Of course, the main reason to make a trade is always to bring in players who can help you, typically right away.

The Broncos have quite a few players who could be attractive trade pieces around the NFL as we approach roster competitions and, eventually, cuts.

Let’s take a look at which players could be traded and the reasons that might happen.

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