When the Denver Broncos first cut linebacker Todd Davis, there was speculation that the team would trade for an off-ball linebacker. The speculation got even hotter when Mike Klis from KUSA slipped. It wouldn’t be surprising if Denver made another “wow” move before starting its season against the Tennessee Titans.
That could mean a few different positions, of course, as the Broncos have some weak positions, but a linebacker was the main inspiration behind the rumors that went through Broncos country. However, if you look at other teams and delve into the rumor mill, there are a few options in various positions that the Broncos could trade for.
It’s worth noting that some of these players I’m going to mention today are likely not going to be available for the Broncos overtures, but most of them are meant to be. The ones I haven’t heard from still make sense for the Broncos to trade through for various reasons.
These rumors may not contain anything, but mostly where there is smoke there is fire
Linebacker targets
This position has the most names as there are a lot of rumors with some well known linebackers. We’ll start with linebacker as this is the impetus for speculation.
Eric Kendricks, Minnesota: Kendricks is a versatile linebacker who has many years on his contract and is expensive. His name has been tossed around as there are younger and cheaper linebackers out there who like the Vikings, with the potential cap 2021 drop and its cost going against him.
KJ Wright, Seattle: Wright has been a cover linebacker for his entire career and is solid against the run too. Seattle has younger linebackers who want to be more on the field, which would be easier if Wright wasn’t in the way. He is also in the final year of his contract.
Sean Lee, Dallas: Lee has already been replaced by Leighton Vander Esch and only sits on the bench with a small role. It’s a cheaper option and it’s the final year of its business. Lee’s name has been revealed, but it makes more sense for Dallas to keep it than to move it.
Tyler Matakevich, buffalo: Matakevich just signed the bills, but they brought several other linebackers with them too. It can be effective in Vic Fangio’s defense to replace Todd Davis and is cheaper too. Buffalo has been linked to a well-known linebacker who is also mentioned, making Matakevich even more expendable.
Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati: Pratt is only entering his sophomore year, but the Bengals staff have been overhauled. Additionally, the team issued three higher-value draft picks in the previous draft, which may oust Pratt.
Fred Warner, San Francisco: This is a name that may come as a bit of a shock, but rumor has it that the Niners are trying to unload the linebacker for several reasons. One of them is that he can go for extra time after this season, which his game has shown he is worth it, but also that the Niners seem to like Dre Greenlaw who would replace Warner. There seems to be a lack of interest in keeping Warner and his partner in big money deals going forward.
Matt Milano, buffalo: Similar to Matakevich, Milano was brought together with other linebackers and is now at the bottom. He’s a solid player who can help the Broncos and is cheap too.
CJ Mosley, New York Jets: This is one of the more expensive options on this list. Denver broke up with Todd Davis to free up money. So there is no point in making really big bucks to replace him. However, Mosley is a star linebacker who has great coverage and there is tension between Mosley and head coach Adam Gase. Problem is, will Gase get over his grudges and deal with Denver? This is one that is very doubtful.
Kwon Alexander. San Francisco: Another big money linebacker who is a Warner teammate. If it’s true that Niners don’t want to pay Warner while they are paying Alexander a lot of money, then it makes sense to move either one. Alexander makes more sense based on injuries, current costs, and age, but these are also reasons other teams may not want him.
Three Jacksonville Jaguar linebackers: They have a fire sale in Jacksonville and they have a couple of linebackers that would make sense to the Broncos. The big name and the big money linebacker Myles Jack is rumored to be the one he might get moved. One team that is reportedly with him is Buffalo, which increases the potential availability of Milano and Matakevich. If Denver could land Jack it would be a huge challenge for the team, but the cost is as worrying as it was with Alexander and Mosley.
Joe Schobert took interest from the Broncos during the free agency, but he signed a big deal. If the jaguars decide to move it, the Broncos could be involved, they would get it cheaper because jaguars cover his signing bonus. Finally, there’s Leon Jacobs, a hybrid player who’s still growing and learning how to play soccer. There’s an upward trend in coverage and on the verge that could fill the hybrid role that Fangio likes.
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Offensive tackle targets
The next position is Tackle, where the Broncos could look for someone who is either developed by Mike Munchak or who is trying hard to get started with the right tackle. Neither Elijah Wilkinson nor Demar Dotson really held onto the spot.
Julie’n Davenport, Miami: Miami really paid attention to his attacking position going forward, and Davenport is the weird man now. He could be her swing tackle and her insurance policy that could keep him on the team.
Chris Hubbard, Cleveland: As a former Munchak acolyte, there would be a lot of familiarities. Hubbard has the experience too, but his time in Cleveland has been tough so he may be available. Maybe Munchak could help him turn it around.
Chukwuma Okorafor, Pittsburgh: A development machine that was originally designed when Munchak was with the Steelers. There may be interest in reuniting the project with the developer.
Cameron Fleming, New York Giants: There is potential to have one of the two tackles with Fleming, but they say he’s not in line to be a starter. However, he is the solid depth and could see the giants keep him.
Morgan Moses, Washington: Moses has been floating around for a while and could really go with the Broncos. It would be a great upgrade for the right device and would help the team provide some answers for the future. However, after that season, either Moses or Ja’Wuan would pull James to the left.
Tyrell Crosby, Detroit: There is a return on both sides of the line, but Crosby has to be developed before that happens. This would be a step in giving Munchak someone to shape instead of improving their starters.
Cam Robinson, Jacksonville: Everything has to go in Jacksonville! I have my doubts about Robinson as a left tackle, but he could be a big upgrade to the right tackle against Dotson and Wilkinson, and he’ll be paired with one of the best O-line coaches in the NFL. If he fails at the right attack, an offensive security guard would be very viable too.
Security goals
The final position to be looked at. The Broncos have three real safeguards in place but have other viable options that are hybrids.
Adrian Phillips, New England: Phillips has had a number three career in security which has shown that he can do multiple things in Fangio’s defense. He has the ability in the slot, in the box or even deep. With some talented security, New England could try to move him.
DeShone Elliott, Baltimore: Elliott is entering his sophomore year but he had some decent lightning bolts in his little playtime a year ago. Baltimore is ready to fight and they have the safety over him to keep him on the bench. There are good skills out there and he fits the scheme, which is a big plus. Additionally, Elliott is quite capable in the box and could help cover tight ends with his physical nature.
Deionte Thompson, Arizona: Thompson has just entered his sophomore year and apparently already got to the bottom in Arizona. It’s another versatile security that could really work in the Fangio system if it were available.
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