5 teams who should trade with Seahawks for Earl Thomas

2. Denver Broncos

The Broncos still have a top-notch defense, and they finished fourth against the pass last year (200.6 yards per game). But they allowed 29 touchdown passes (28th in the league), with just 10 interceptions (tied for 24th in the league). So there’s room for improvement in those areas, if a difference-maker can be found.

Even with the trade of Aqib Talib to the Rams, Denver still has Chris Harris and Bradley Roby as their top two corners and one of the better duos in the league. Darian Stewart is a solid free safety (three interceptions and 63 total tackles in 2017), but strong safety Justin Simmons was a liability in pass coverage when he shifted into the starting job last year. A trade for Thomas, and a residual shift of Stewart to strong safety, would fortify a weak spot in the Broncos’ secondary and close the gap between touchdowns allowed through the air and the team’s interception total.

Denver can squeeze Thomas’ 2018 salary in under the cap this year. They can do it in 2019 too, but they’d have some decisions to make if Thomas wants a significant raise in a new contract.

The Broncos don’t stand out as a top suitor for Thomas. But they do have some level of need at safety, and John Elway may see a big opportunity to address it now.