Denver Broncos: Takk McKinley trade could make sense
The Denver Broncos could explore a trade for Falcons EDGE Takk McKinley.
The NFL trade deadline (November 3) is rapidly approaching, and teams around the league are already making moves to improve their roster and fill holes. The Denver Broncos might be considered more of a seller than a buyer based on their 2-4 record, but that doesn’t mean they would shy away from adding pieces if the price is right.
One player who is apparently on the trade block that could make some sense? Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Takk McKinley.
The #Falcons have had trade talks about DE Takk McKinley and other teams believe the former first-round pick gets moved before Tuesday’s deadline, though no deal is imminent, per sources. McKinley (groin) was held out of practice the past 2 days. Atlanta visits Carolina tomorrow.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 28, 2020
There are a couple of reasons why trading for the former first-round pick out of UCLA could be beneficial for a team like the Denver Broncos, even though they are 2-4 and after a humiliating loss to the Chiefs, it doesn’t seem like they should be acquiring players at the trade deadline.
That’s for contending teams, right?
That’s not always the case, or at least it doesn’t have to be.
The Broncos are in a position right now where acquiring an asset like McKinley for a discounted price has a variety of benefits.
First and foremost, he is a talented player they could add to their edge rusher group for the remaining nine or 10 games of the 2020 season. The Broncos lost Von Miller for what many believe to be the full 2020 season, though there is a chance Von will be healthy enough to play again sometime in December.
They also have recently placed rookie Derrek Tuszka on injured reserve, and Jeremiah Attaochu has been struggling with a hamstring injury.
Anthony Chickillo has been playing a decent amount for the Broncos as a result, and he’s not providing the type of pass rush that McKinley is capable of providing.
So far in 2020, McKinley has eight pressures, 7 QB hits, and one sack, and he’s posted double-digit quarterback hits in each of his first three NFL seasons.
If McKinley were to come to Denver for a late-round selection or swap of picks, he could not only help the Broncos for the rest of this season, but he could be an option to re-sign after the season is over.
If he would excel in Denver to the point that the Broncos couldn’t afford him, they could let him hit free agency and get a compensatory draft pick in 2022 for him.
It’s worth a late-round pick (if that’s what the Falcons want) for a guy who is presently averaging nearly two QB hits per game. Especially when you consider the Broncos’ current depth off the edge, the potential contract situation with Von Miller in 2021, and McKinley’s value either returning to Denver or netting a future compensatory pick, this move makes sense for a ‘rebuilding’ team like the Broncos.
The Broncos have had a brutal schedule in the early portion of the 2020 season, playing at least three of the top five teams in the NFL, maybe four depending on how high you are on the Tennessee Titans.
That kind of schedule has resulted in a dismal 2-4 start, but the Broncos’ defense is good and if the offense can grow, this is a team that could make some noise as the season progresses. If any part of John Elway and the front office believe that to be the case, the value of a good, young pass rusher is worth the 2021 draft capital.
Next. Players who could be traded if the Broncos sell at the deadline. dark
The Broncos currently have an extra 7th-round draft choice from the Cleveland Browns. Perhaps the Falcons would be willing to part with McKinley for a 6th-rounder.