NFL Trade Rumors 2016: Will Denver Trade Aqib Talib? Broncos Star May Interest Redskins, Patriots
The NFL season kicks off Thursday, and it looks like teams are not yet done with refining their rosters. One of the biggest news last week was the trade between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles, which sent a 2017 first round pick and a 2018 fourth-rounder for Philly quarterback Sam Bradford.
This week, rumors are circulating around the Mile-High City. The Denver Broncos were reportedly interested in moving veteran cornerback Aqib Talib. This had been quickly met by both Broncos Vice President of Public Relations Patrick Smyth and general manager John Elway with a resounding "false." Elway even denied that Talib's name was raised in any discussion.
The 30-year-old Talib might be Denver's lone stalwart in his position, but with multiple issues dealt with by the star and his team, a change of scenery may be a good option for both him and other franchises in need.
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Talib out of Denver?
Talib had been one of the top Broncos players in previous years. He had been named to the Pro Bowl each season from 2013-2015, and his defensive prowess fueled Denver's notorious No Fly Zone.
He finished last season with 45 tackles and three interceptions, two of which he converted into touchdowns. These numbers were an integral part in the Broncos AFC Championship run. Ultimately, their Super Bowl victory against the Cam Newton-led Carolina Panthers.
However, if Denver chooses to keep Talib, they have to account for his miscues off the field. Just this June, he may have been shot or shot himself outside a Dallas strip club. The incident is still being investigated by Dallas police and the NFL, and might lead to a suspension. If he does get suspended, Denver would not pay their money's worth on him—his salary hits $12 million this year, which is the third highest salary cap number in the Broncos' roster.
Furthermore, if they choose to look for other options, cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Kayvon Webster can step up to fill the void. Roby's play thus far can earn him the spot, while Webster can finally crack the No Fly Zone.
Possibilities
If Denver does open its doors to dump Talib, the tough defensive back can find a home in a number of struggling teams. Names that had surfaced are the Buffalo Bills, Talib's former team New England Patriots and even the Carolina Panthers, whom the Broncos defeated last Super Bowl.
The team that could most probably trade for him, however, are the Washington Redskins. Desperate to solidify a respectable place in the league, the Redskins need a secondary addition to back D'Angelo Hall and recent acquisition Josh Norman.
A trade also makes sense for Washington, as they had been known to make a lot of risky deals as a franchise. Going for Talib might be one such risk they would not regret.
