As the Broncos evaluate their roster ahead of cut day Saturday, they, like most teams, are exploring trade options. One name that has come up is eighth-year safety
According to a source, the team is both making and fielding trade calls on Ward as he enters the final season of the four-year contract he signed in 2014. Ward is due $4.5 million in salary this season and carries a cap hit of $5.75 million. Should the Broncos part with him, via trade or release, they’d still be on the hook for the $1.25 million difference from his prorated signing bonus.
But depth is the bigger reason Denver might consider parting with Ward.
The Broncos drafted Justin Simmons in the third and Will Parks in the sixth round of the 2016 draft, both of whom are viewed as key pieces of the secondary’s future. And in the middle of last season, the team re-signed veteran Darian Stewart to a four-year, $28 million contract extension.
As Ward has recovered from a hamstring injury, Simmons started the Broncos’ first three preseason games and totaled six tackles. In his rookie season, Simmons posted 30 tackles, four pass-breakups, two interceptions and the infamous blocked extra-point attempt that led to the game-winning score in New Orleans.
“He’s a good, young player,” coach Vance Joseph said Tuesday. “We’ve played well on defense. He is definitely a good young player.”
When asked about the potential of moving Ward, Joseph said, “he’s one of our better players, so I would be surprised if he was, but I have not heard that.”
Replacing Ward’s presence on the field and in the locker room would be difficult. A three-time Pro Bowler and vital part of the self-titled No Fly Zone, Ward was the first free-agent addition to John Elway’s remade defense in 2014. Elway lauded him then for his “toughness” and “energy,” and neither have waned.
Along with cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Ward has developed into one of the leaders of the defensive backfield. He’s also coming off a career year with 87 total tackles, one sack, an interception, eight pass-breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
“Itap an engaged group,” Joseph said of the secondary in March. “You watch every game and those guys are ready to roll. It comes from the safeties. It comes from T.J. and Stewart. Those guys are on every day. To be a great secondary in this league you’ve got to be on every day.”
Ward’s name isn’t the only one to watch. With a depth at multiple positions, including receiver and offensive line, the team boast many players that could draw eyes for potential moves.
