Broncos Trade Franchise Legend to the Los Angeles Rams
Image from the Denver Broncos Twitter Page @Broncos
After numerous trade rumors and uncertainty surrounding Von Miller’s future in Denver. The Denver Broncos have decided to trade their franchise legend and all-time sack leader to the Los Angeles Rams.
Von’s 10-year reign with the Broncos will forever be memorable and enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Broncos Ring of Fame in the future.
How Does This Trade Impact Both Teams?
For the Los Angeles Rams, they acquire a game-changer and leader on the edge in Von Miller. Miller prior to the trade was having a decent season averaging 4.5 sacks and among one of the top-10 in total quarterback pressures (30). Miller also before the trade was out last week versus the Washington Football Team resting an ankle injury he sustained against the Browns. Miller is expected to debut next week versus the Titans and join a great defense featuring Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Leonard Floyd.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams sent the Broncos second-and third-round picks (Day 2 picks) in the 2022 draft. Reducing their number of picks in next year’s draft to four. Overall, this trade signals the Rams are in win-now mode and with a 7-1 record, tying NFC West rivals the Arizona Cardinals. The Los Angeles Rams appear to be legitimate contenders in the NFC and favorites to be in Super Bowl moving forward.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
For the Broncos, trading Von Miller puts the team in a dilemma. One road indicates they are in rebuilding mode and acquiring assets for the future. The second road indicates GM George Paton felt the team wasn’t going to be competitive did what was best for Von and the Broncos moving forward. Also with no guarantee, of Von resigning at the end of the season, it is always better to trade a player of Miller’s status for something rather than nothing.
On social media, there is much confusion and frustration as to why a 4-4 (.500) team would trade their franchise player, but to look at the positives the Broncos and GM George Paton made the right decision.
From the trade, the Broncos acquired a second-and third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft increasing their total draft picks to 10. What is significant about the 10 total picks is that half of them are in the range of Day 1 and 2 meaning they have high trade value and a high probability of being future prospects that can 1)Fill an area of need or 2)Be a player with potential or a bust. Obviously, a player with potential is most coveted but with the great draft GM George Paton and scouts had this year, the Broncos are in a good position to build a great roster moving forward.
Moreover, with the trade of Von Miller, also came speculation of the Broncos acquiring assets for a potential trade for Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson in the offseason. I’ll say right now that is very much unrealistic but who knows, never say never.
Overall to give grades to each team, I’d give the Rams a “B” with an “A+” potential just because of how special their defense can be with Von. For the Broncos, I give them a “B+” just because they acquired not just a third-round pick that matches Von’s value but a second-round pick as well for paying the $9 million in salary that will ultimately be freed up next year to resign players or sign key free agents.
Thumbnail credited to the Los Angeles Rams Twitter @RamsNFL
