8 Veterans Broncos Should Make Available Before Trade Deadline

It has been an abysmal start for the Denver Broncos. No one thought this team would start its season 0-4.

This has been a losing team for a few years as the Broncos have been in a 'cold' rebuild since 2016. That is unfair to some veterans, while other tenured players are clearly tired of the losing.

There are eight veterans on this Broncos' roster that must be made available prior to the NFL trade deadline. Some of these vets are taking playing time away from young players that Denver has to find out about.

Others aren’t buying into what the Broncos are trying to build under Vic Fangio, or they may not be part of the team's future plans, or they might believe they're being used wrong, or are just being wasted on an awful team.

Todd Davis: Linebacker is an issue for the Broncos, but they are a bad team and almost to the point where they need to embrace the suck. They believe in Keishawn Bierria and Alexander Johnson, so they need to get them on the field defensively sooner than later. Davis being back and healthy is just keeping these two down the depth chart. Both players can use the experience, or at the very least, make it clear they aren’t the guys for the job beyond 2019.

Jeff Heuerman: The veteran tight end is on here for similar reasons. With Troy Fumagalli, Noah Fant and Andrew Beck on the roster, Heuerman is just taking up potential playtime from the young corps. Fant is getting a good amount of reps, and it is helping his development. The other two aren’t seeing the field all that much, or even dressing, and Denver needs to get them on the field. Heuerman is a solid option, and Denver could try and get a fifth-round pick in return for him.

Shelby Harris: Denver is misusing Harris. There are no 'if's, and's or but's' about it. He is not a nose tackle and will never be one. If the Broncos are going to continue to use him as such, they would be better off moving him. It isn’t fair to use him where he can’t be the player he is, especially in a contract year. This makes me think he isn’t in their plans beyond this year, and if that is the case, it's all the more reason to move him.

The Broncos season is hanging by a thread! Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Justin Simmons: Chalk this one up to his play. This scheme was supposed to really bring out the best in Simmons, but he is the same player we have seen his whole career. He's making the same mistakes, but makes a play or two here and there that make everyone forget about the negatives. Maybe a new change of scenery can finally get him playing to his potential.

Devontae Booker: The Broncos brought in Theo Riddick to be part of the offense and he is currently hurt. Booker has barely played these first four weeks, and since the Broncos haven’t cut Riddick with an injury settlement, it makes me think they plan on bringing him back off of injured reserve. Doing so will make Booker obsolete, and the team should move him as a result. A playoff-contending team that needs running back help could be very interested in the fourth-year vet.

Derek Wolfe: Dre’Mont Jones and DeMarcus Walker need to get more playing time. Basically, they need to get thrown to the fire. Wolfe has gotten banged up throughout his career, and already is this year. He can still make an impact, which could be enough to be that missing piece for certain teams. With him being in the final year of his deal, teams will be interested in him as a short-term rental and Denver should do right by Wolfe and not keep him on this bad team.

Emmanual Sanders: This one hurts a little, simply because of how impactful he has been for the Broncos' offense. However, that is exactly why he should be made available. He is being wasted on this offense, and could take a struggling passing offense that is pushing for the playoffs and give them a major weapon.

Chris Harris, Jr.: His effort has been lacking, as has his play against the run and he has struggled in coverage. With how he has been playing, he looks like one who does not want to be part of this team any longer. There were multiple plays against the Jaguars where he quit on the team. Harris also isn’t able to hold himself accountable and when he makes a mistake, he is quick to blame someone else. There are plenty of teams that need cornerback help, and as long as he isn’t covering the No. 1 receiver, Harris can still be a solid player for a defense.

The Takeaway

I don’t think the Broncos trade all of these players away, or even should. The simple fact is that the Broncos need to make them all available and see what teams will bite. It's time to listen to offers and see what type of value the team can get back in return.

With how the Broncos have been playing, they can’t afford to be stingy with the offers and take whatever is given, within reason, especially for the vets in a contract year. Get the young guys on the field, let them work on development with reps, and if they show up, great.

If not, well, it is a good thing this is a rebuilding team.

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.

Add us as a preferred source on Google