Denver Broncos: Jets should be calling about Malik Reed
Although George Paton certainly doesn’t have to make any move, the New York Jets should be calling the Denver Broncos GM about Malik Reed.
As teams get closer and closer to putting together 53-man rosters, the unfortunate reality of the NFL is that injuries happen and plans change dramatically. For the Denver Broncos, that is all too familiar territory in recent years.
The Denver Broncos have had to deal with losing star pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Von Miller in consecutive seasons due to injury. In their absence, former undrafted free agent Malik Reed has stepped up in a big way for the team.
In 2020, Reed racked up 53 total tackles, eight sacks, 17 QB hits, and eight tackles for loss. He also added 33 QB pressures and a forced fumble.
With Von Miller and Bradley Chubb both back healthy for 2021, Reed will still have a role with the defense but it will likely be diminished. If you’re the New York Jets, who just lost big-money free agent Carl Lawson to injury for the 2021 season, you might be looking at rosters around the league and see an opportunity to make Denver Broncos GM George Paton an offer he can’t refuse.
Reed should have pretty solid value on the trade market if the Denver Broncos are even remotely willing to deal him. Given the recent injury issues they’ve dealt with themselves, they might be a bit hesitant to move on from Reed, but anyone could be available if the price is right.
Not only did the Jets lose Carl Lawson off the edge, but they’ve also placed Vinny Curry on the non-football injury list.
Given the emergence of Jonathon Cooper in the preseason as well as the solid showings from both Derrek Tuszka and Andre Mintze, is this a trade the Denver Broncos would be willing to work with the Jets and GM Joe Douglas on?
That’s anyone’s guess.
The Jets don’t exactly have a ton to offer the Denver Broncos in terms of their roster depth. There are players the Broncos might have interest in, no question about it, but the Jets aren’t overloaded with talent to trade away.
It seems the Jets have all but given up on 2019 third-round pick Chuma Udoga at offensive tackle, so perhaps the Broncos would be interested in that reclamation project. It also seems that Denzel Mims has fallen out of favor with the Jets’ coaching staff. Maybe the Broncos work out a separate deal to trade away Tim Patrick and bring in Mims as a possible longer-term option.
If not players, the Jets could certainly tempt the Denver Broncos with a day two draft pick. Even a third-round pick from the Jets for Malik Reed could end up being very close to the second round.
We’ll see how desperate Joe Douglas is to start off the Robert Saleh era with as many wins as possible. If he wants the best chance at winning right away, a trade for a player like Malik Reed would be a savvy move for him and Reed could thrive under Saleh.
To reiterate, there’s absolutely nothing indicating the Denver Broncos are interested in trading Reed, but you never know if a team comes calling with the right offer.