Broncos could trade Aqib Talib this week

The Denver Broncos are trying to free up cap space, and Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib could be on the chopping block.

All 32 NFL teams are in Indianapolis at the Scouting Combine, and the rumors are already flying around. One of the more interesting tidbits of news comes from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who says the Denver Broncos are willing to trade Pro Bowl corner Aqib Talib.

Talib, 31, is still one of the best corners in the NFL and could likely be had for a mid-round pick. However, the trading partner would have to be willing to swallow $12 million this year and another $8 million in 2019. The team could release Talib after next year and save the $8 million if so inclined as well.

For his part, Talib doesn’t seem too concerned about being shopped around.

https://twitter.com/AqibTalib21/status/968975610256285696

The Broncos would be wise to trade Talib. While he’s a terrific talent, Denver is nowhere near a Super Bowl and should get value while getting younger. The move would also free up the cap space needed to make a serious run at free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, should general manager John Elway decide to go that route.

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If Rapoport is correct and Denver is motivated to move on from Talib, the list of suitors should be long. The Green Bay Packers are contenders in need of a corner, while the same could be said for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.

Should the Broncos fail to trade Talib over the next two weeks, Elway could release him for the cap savings, but receive no compensation.