Could the Denver Broncos make a wild trade for a RB in 2023?
The Denver Broncos will need to find a true starting running back with Javonte Williams rehabbing. Could they make a trade for someone? The 2023 running back free agent class is a bit stacked. There are some quality names out there that George Paton could have interest in signing.
Javonte Williams’ rehab from his torn ACL could be a tricky process, as running backs don’t usually have a long shelf life in the NFL, and the rehab itself could take as long as a year. Right now, it seems way too early to be able to confidently say that Williams would be ready for a week one return in 2023.
For that reason, Denver has to operate under the assumption that not only could Javonte Williams not be ready for the start of 2023, but he could also need a few weeks or even longer to feel himself again.
Over at The Viking Age, the Minnesota Vikings website on FanSided, Adam Patrick wrote about four players Minnesota should consider trading in 2023. And who was one of those players?
Dalvin Cook.
This is purely a prediction on his end I presume, but he cites his age and contract as the main factors. Cook turns 28 in 2023, so the prime of his career might be over. He’s also accounting for $14 million with his 2023 cap hit.
If the Vikings were to trade Cook, they’d save $11 million on their 2023 cap while incurring about $3 million in dead cap. Could the team entertain this? Cook was drafted by the previous regime in Minnesota, which included now Denver Broncos’ General Manager George Paton.
The connections are there, and Cook would likely give the Broncos an elite weapon out of the backfield. Furthermore, if the team does plan on going all in with Russell Wilson, adding someone like Dalvin Cook would make some sense.
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I’m not sure how much a soon to be 28 year old top 10 running back would cost in a trade, and it’s a valid concern as the Broncos don’t have a ton of draft capital. I’d say that Dalvin Cook probably stays put on the Vikings, but the possibility should be entertained.