The Denver Broncos traded star pass rusher, Bradley Chubb, to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for draft capital and a player in return. How does this trade impact the Broncos at edge rusher going forward?
Denver Broncos trade Bradley Chubb
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton recouped a 2023 first-round pick from the Miami Dolphins who acquired the pick from the San Francisco 49ers. On top of the Broncos receiving a first-round pick, they’ll also receive one of the Dolphins’ fourth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft while Denver sends over a 2025 fifth-round pick. Miami also sent running back Chase Edmonds to Denver in the trade package.
The Broncos and Paton appear to be moving forward with Randy Gregory and Baron Browning as the team’s two starting outside linebackers. Behind them, 2022 second-round pick Nik Bonitto will also have an elevated role alongside 2021 seventh-rounder Jonathon Cooper.
As it currently stands, Gregory and Browning are both dealing with injuries and there isn’t an exact timetable on when they’ll return or if they’ll be available against the Tennessee Titans following their bye week.
The acquisition of Edmonds in this deal provides insight into the long-term prospects of the running back position in Denver. Javonte Williams will return next season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. As it currently stands, Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone, Latavius Murray, and Marlon Mack’s deals with the team will expire after this season which could indicate a Williams, Edmonds, Damarea Crockett tandem going into 2024.
Edmonds hasn’t had an ideal season with the Dolphins from a production standpoint where he has only 42 total carries for 120 yards. He’s averaged 2.9 yards per carry this season, but has the potential to contribute as a rusher and as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
For Paton, he now enters the 2023 NFL Draft process with more breathing room and a first-round pick after dealing a 2022 1st and 2nd plus 2023’s 1st and 2nd to the Seattle Seahawks in the Russell Wilson trade.
More trade movement could be coming as the deadline approaches. Will Paton deal tight end Albert Okwuegbunam by the deadline?
Broncos trade for pass rusher
After dealing Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos have also traded for New York Jets pass rusher Jacob Martin according to NFL Network Reporter Ian Rapoport. Denver sent the Jets a 2024 fourth-round pick while also receiving a 2024 fifth-round pick.
This is a depth move for the Broncos who are trying to fill the void left by special teams ace Aaron Patrick suffering a season-ending ACL injury several weeks ago. Martin has only played 28% of the Jets defensive snaps this season, but has played nearly 54% of New York’s special teams snaps.
Stay tuned as this post will be updated following the deadline at milehighsports.com
Cody Roark is Mile High Sports lead reporter covering the Denver Broncos — Cody covers every practice, every home and away game plus community events related to the organization. He also co-hosts The Afternoon Drive with Aniello Piro on Mile High Sports Radio and is the host of the Locked On Broncos podcast. You can follow Cody on Twitter and Instagram @CodyRoarkNFL.