With the NFL trade deadline of October 31 at 2:00 p.m. MT quickly approaching, the question of whether or not John Elway and the Denver Broncos should make a trade is clear.
Yes. For a right tackle.
On the season, Menelik Watson has barely been serviceable posting a 38.7 overall PFF grade this season. His backup, Donald Stephenson hasn’t fared much better with a 54.8 grade.
And since the Broncos won’t be trading for Andrew Luck any time soon, the only trade this week that makes sense is to bring in some fresh blood at right tackle.
In a recent ESPN Insider article, they broke down one player from each team that could be used as potential trade bait. Only two offensive tackles were mentioned that the Broncos could target.
Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson
The Bills have carried five offensive tackles on their 53-man roster since Henderson returned from suspension after five games. Coach Sean McDermott said last week that offensive tackle is "a position of value across the league," which was about the closest you'll get to him saying they are open for business. Cordy Glenn has battled foot and ankle injuries the past two seasons and has been splitting time at left tackle with second-round rookie Dion Dawkins, which also makes the Bills' second-highest paid player a potential trade target. But a team would have to pick up the remaining three seasons of Glenn's deal (2018-20) at about $30 million, so the cheaper option would be Henderson. He started 26 games for the Bills from 2014-15 before surgery for Crohn's disease and two NFL substance-abuse suspensions derailed his career and left him without a role on the current team. -- Mike Rodak
Offensive tackle Byron Bell
If not for Ezekiel Elliott's impending preliminary injunction hearing on Monday, Darren McFadden would be the pick for the second straight year. He has been inactive the first six games, but the Cowboys can't take the risk of trading him without knowing Elliott's status for the rest of the season. Bell has served as a backup tackle in five of the first six games. He was inactive last week against the 49ers, but he has position flexibility with the ability to play guard and tackle. He has not started a regular-season game since 2015 after missing last season with a hip injury with the Titans. Bell is on a one-year deal, which could help a trade get done, but there are some who wonder if he should be the Cowboys' left guard. -- Todd Archer
Henderson has yet to play any meaningful snaps and has no PFF grade to speak of. It would be much better for the Broncos to target someone who is actually playing. Jordan Mills, Cordy Glenn, and Dion Dawkins are all tackles for the Bills who have posted significantly higher PFF grades than any right tackle currently on the Broncos roster.
As for Bell of the Cowboys. No thanks. It is highly unlikely he would come in and do much of anything for this offensive line.
Excited about all this? Yeah, me neither. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so get on that phone, Mr. Elway!