Broncos open to trading T.J. Ward

The Denver Broncos are reportedly fielding trade calls on their safety T.J. Ward, gaging interest around the league.

In a bit of a surprising move today, the Denver Broncos are reportedly fielding trade calls on their star safety T.J. Ward. The safety has been one of the key cogs on defense for the Broncos since he arrived to the team prior to the 2014 season.

Ward has made the Pro Bowl three times in his career, including twice with Denver during the 2015 and ’16 seasons. He also helped them win Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. The Broncos could be exploring trading the eight-year veteran because he is entering the final year of his current contract, and they may fear he may walk away in free agency.

If Denver is successful in trading him, they should be able to net a decent return for a proven starter at a position that is tough to find consistent play from. It’s a bit shocking since Ward has expressed his desire in remaining with the team, as recently as the end of May. The two sides could have been far apart on the financial side of things, which could be prompting the Broncos to explore their options before it’s too late.

If Ward is ultimately dealt, the next man up at the position could be second-year safety Justin Simmons, whom the team drafted in the third-round in the 2016 NFL Draft. Simmons was a good safety at Boston College, but is still a ways away of being on the level that Ward is on.

Denver’s defense is strong enough overall to withstand the departure of a player like Ward, but we’re sure it is not exactly what they want to do, but more of what they have to do. Denver will open the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, on Sept. 11.