Broncos roster stock down no. 2: Malik Reed, EDGE
You hate to even say this or talk about Malik Reed in this way, because this guy has been an outstanding undrafted pickup for the Broncos and has contributed a lot the last couple of seasons.
Unfortunately, in the 2022 offseason, it looks like he could be lost in the numbers game on this Broncos roster.
Bradley Chubb is back.
Randy Gregory was signed to a big-money deal.
The team used its top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Nik Bonitto.
Baron Browning made a full-time switch to the EDGE.
Then you’ve got Jonathon Cooper, a great seventh-round pick from last year’s rookie class.
Not to mention, backup edge rusher Aaron Patrick has been labeled a core special teams player and undrafted rookie Christopher Allen was given the highest guarantee of any undrafted free agent in Broncos history.
That about sums it up.
Malik Reed will have suitors around the league, no doubt. He may not have a starting role in Denver this year, or maybe no role at all, but the Broncos will undoubtedly be able to find a place where he can get playing time and be valued.
Even though he was given an original round tender by the Broncos, no team tried to pry Reed from the Broncos in free agency.
My guess is, we’ll see Reed traded at some point between now and the end of the preseason. The Broncos don’t want to be caught with their pants down trading Reed when injuries are still a possibility, but there are still some good free agents available that could help if the team did suffer an injury.
We could see Reed — or someone — traded sooner rather than later.