3 trades the Broncos must make to save their season

2 of 3

Oct 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (51) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Acquire a coverage ILB

Injuries have plagued the Broncos’ linebacker group. Josey Jewell is out for the entire season with a pectoral injury. Alexander Johnson was playing extremely well; he is currently PFF’s second-highest graded linebacker in the NFL. Sadly, Johnson suffered a pectoral injury, as well, and he could miss an extended period of time.

#Broncos also fear will lose LB Alexander Johnson to pectoral injury. Josey Jewell tore his pec vs Jaguars, requiring season-ending surgery. MRI will tell more on Monday. #Denver7 https://t.co/cP7QadJVEC
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 18, 2021

If the Broncos want to salvage their season, it would be wise to acquire another inside linebacker. In addition, acquiring a coverage linebacker would also help their team in the long term. When healthy, Johnson is known for his run defense, and the Broncos currently do not have an outstanding linebacker that could match up with tight ends in coverage.

One strong trade candidate is Kamu Grugier-Hill. Throughout his career, Grugier-Hill has been known for his ability in pass coverage. At the 2016 NFL Draft Combine, he ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, so he has the speed to match up with tight ends and running backs. This season, he has a PFF pass coverage grade of 68.4.

The Texans are 1-5 and in the midst of a rebuild, so trading Grugier-Hill for a late-round pick would make sense for them.

Home/Denver Broncos