NFL Trade Rumors: Denver Broncos Could Deal Star Amid Kirk Cousins Pursuit

Expect the Denver Broncos to make some big changes in the 2018 NFL offseason. That could include trading away players that have been among the team’s best in recent years.

Aqib Talib is one of the NFL stars that’s been at the center of rumors in 2018. Denver is expected to entertain trades for the cornerback, according to 9News.com in Denver, because of a total cap hit of $20 million over the next two seasons. He’s entering year No.5 of a six-year deal that’s worth $57 million.

Talib turns 32 years old Tuesday, though he’s still considered to be among the best players at his position. He was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl in 2017, playing 15 games for the NFL’s No.3 defense.

With one interception last season, Talib recorded fewer than three picks for the first time since 2012. Denver ranked fourth against the pass in 2017. Talib was named First-Team All-Pro in 2016 when a dominant defense led the Broncos to a Super Bowl championship.

This isn’t the first time that there’s been speculation Denver might trade Talib. Just prior to the start of the 2016 season, ESPN reported that Talib could be had at the right price. Broncos general manager John Elway denied the report.

There’s also been speculation that Emmanuel Sanders could be dealt. The wide receiver is in his 30s, as well, and he’s got a cap hit of nearly $24 million over the next two seasons. After making the Pro Bowl in 2016, Sanders’ production was nearly cut in half with 47 catches for 555 yards.

Denver is believed to be one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Kirk Cousins, though they can’t offer the quarterback the same kind of money that teams like the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns can because of their current payroll. The Broncos have $25.9 million to spend under the cap, according to Spotrac, giving them less money to play with than 17 other teams.

The Broncos might give Cousins the best chance to win of any realistic suitor because of their defense. Denver went 5-11 last year with Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch splitting time under center.

The three quarterbacks combined to throw 19 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions for a 73.0 passer rating. Twenty-eight starting quarterbacks had a 77.5 passer rating or better in 2017.