Should the Broncos make a deal for Matt Forte, Vernon Davis or another NFL star before the trade deadline Tuesday?
Kiz: With a game against undefeated Green Bay and a ceremony to honor owner Pat Bowlen, this is a big Sunday for football in Denver. But the biggest play of the week could be made by John Elway from his office chair at the team’s Dove Valley headquarters. The NFL trade deadline is looming, and what transpires Tuesday could be far more important to the Broncos’ hopes of winning the Super Bowl than whether they beat the Packers. Should Denver make a deal?
Renck: The team’s poor production at tight end suggests that Elway should find a trade partner. Owen Daniels has struggled. An argument can be made that he’s been used too much in pass protection, limiting his production and opportunities. Regardless, the Broncos need more from the tight end spot, and if they don’t get it against Green Bay, it makes sense to call San Francisco about Davis, who is in the final year of his contract.
Kiz: I’ve got no interest in small potatoes. Give me steak and sizzle. At this point in his career, it’s hard to picture Vernon Davis making a huge difference in the Denver offense. Elway has never thought small. And, of late, NFL teams have been more open to big trades, with LeSean McCoy and Jimmy Graham finding new homes during the past year. So here’s the mission for Elway: Go big or go home.
Renck: If the Broncos acquired a big name running back it would contradict the philosophy that this offense develops runners, not the other way around. Given how long it’s taken to get everyone on the same page offensively — better blocking, running backs recognizing lanes– I’d argue that the introduction of another piece could be counterproductive. Who wouldn’t want Forte? I just not sure the timing is right.
Kiz: Matt Forte is more talented than any current Denver running back, and although his salary is hefty, he’s in the final year of his contract. I do like Forte as a rental. But let’s think outside the box and dream big: We recently saw two players in Cleveland the Broncos could really use: offensive tackle Joe Thomas and tight end Gary Barnidge. Thomas is ridiculously expensive, Barnidge is a relative bargain. If Elway could find a way to acquire one of them, he wins executive of the year.
Renck: First Elway steals Cleveland’s heart twice as a quarterback then he takes two of their best players as an executive? He could never enter the state of Ohio again. I wouldn’t do this deal. If the Broncos can go young at tackle with Ty Sambrailo and Michael Schofield, it frees up money to sign Von Miller, Malik Jackson and Brandon Marshall long term. Miller, in particular, needs to be a top priority rather than have him play on the franchise tag. They need to get him wrapped up rather than acquiring big salaries.
