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Denver Broncos: 5 trades that could happen before 2021 season

By Sayre Bedinger

Denver Broncos 2021 - Alexander Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos 2021 - Alexander Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alexander Johnson, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos restricted free agent LB Alexander Johnson. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos: 5 trades that could be possible before 2021 season

1. LB Alexander Johnson, late pick to Philadelphia Eagles for OT Andre Dillard

Life comes at you fast in the NFL.

Alexander Johnson has gone from a fascinating training camp pickup in 2018 to breakout player in 2019 to an entrenched starter in 2020 to potentially the trade block in 2021?

It’s not impossible.

Johnson has been solid for the Denver Broncos as a run defender and in 2019, he was pretty outstanding in coverage as well. His play took a bit of a step back in some ways in 2020, however, and the Denver Broncos have seen 2020 fifth-round pick Justin Strnad really emerge as a viable option in 2021 training camp.

Josey Jewell seems to be a better candidate to re-sign with the Denver Broncos after the 2021 season than Johnson and with both Strnad and 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning in place, now is probably the best time to move on from Johnson if you can get some value in return.

Johnson is making less than $4 million this season on a restricted free agent contract, and there are players around the league that may be available like former first-round offensive tackle Andre Dillard that would be worth the Denver Broncos’ investment.

If Johnson alone isn’t enough to convince the Eagles to move on from Dillard, the Broncos could potentially throw a late pick their way as well.

Philadelphia is in rebuild mode. A player like Johnson could come in and start for them this season and a late-round pick is extra draft capital they likely covet.

A player like Dillard would be a potential long-term option for the Broncos at the right tackle position. He turns 26 this season and would be a fascinating reclamation project for Mike Munchak and the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff.

This hypothetical trade would pave the way for Justin Strnad to start in 2021, and after a lost year on IR, do the Broncos want to waste another with a player who may not be on the team beyond this season?

This trade could be a win for all involved.

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