Making a case for Denver to acquire Trent Williams

Drafted in 2010 fourth overall, this particular player has gone to 7 pro bowls in 9 seasons, Was named second team all pro in 2015, was a unanimous all american in 2009, and voted first team all big 12 in 2008 and 2009. However headed into 2020 he is in the final year of his contract and was recently given permission to seek a trade after a year long hold out due to a messy situation I won't get into here. Needless to say players of this caliber don't come available very often. 

That player of course is Trent Williams, who will be seeking a trade this offseason. With his resume there is without a doubt going to be a list of teams bidding for his services via trade. He is likely, even after missing all of 2019, a top 10 left tackle in the NFL, which is a position we have seen recently with Duane Brown, and Laremy Tunsil that doesn't come cheap. Taking a closer look at both trades we should be able to get a glimpse at what William's will cost. 

First let's look at the more clear cut of the two trades. Duane Brown was in a similar situation to Williams, he was unhappy with his former team the Texans, and wanted a new deal. Ultimately holding out to get one. Seattle swooped in and traded for him after a failed physical by Jeremy Lane, the trade including Houston sending Seattle Brown, and a 5th round pick in exchange for a 2nd and 3rd round picks. This was basically Houston's way of saying Brown was worth just over the value of a first round pick which is why it took a second and a third with a fifth shipped back. Brown was a 10 year veteran and former first round pick with 4 pro bowl nods, 1 first team all pro, and 2 second team all pro votes. He was only slightly older and less decorated than William's is currently. 

Then we have the Laremy Tunsil trade which is far more complicated to break down. First here is everything and everyone that changed hands:

Houston Shipped out:

2020 first round pick

2020 second round pick

2021 first round pick 

DB Johnson Bademosi

OT Julian Davenport

Miami gave up:

LT Laremy Tunsil 

WR Kenny Stills

2020 4th round pick

2021 6th round pick

Ultimately this trade just isn't cut and dry. If I had to break it down I would ultimately say it is a two part trade. Miami gave up Laremy Tunsil, and their 2020 4th round pick for Julian Davenport, a 2020 first round pick and a 2021 first round pick. While Stills and their 2021 6th round pick were exchanged for Bademosi, and a 2020 second round pick. Tunsil was younger at just 24 years old when the trade occurred but wasn't nearly as decorated and arguably had much larger off field concerns stemming from his draft day incident. Tunsil had at the time never been to a pro bowl, never been voted all pro and had all his accolades come in college. However the trade seems to have paid off with him reaching the pro bowl last season his first with the Texans. 

Which is one reason why I am pushing for Denver to call Washington and start talking trade. Looking at the other two trades I would put Williams' value closer to that of Tunsil despite his age than I would Brown's. It is unheard of to be able to secure a guy like this that still has football left in him. So even if it involves giving up two first round picks to get him I do the deal. Maybe you can include Garrett Bolles in the deal, if not keep Bolles as the swing tackle or have him compete at RT. 

Taking a closer look at Denver's  offense as a whole will give you a better picture of why I would advocate for this team to mortgage their future for one player. 

First of all at quarterback you have a second year player heading into his first year as a full time starter. He saw limited action last season but heads into 2020 with upside. With your presumed franchise qb in place a first round pick isn't needed here. 

Last season we chose to trade down and draft Noah Fant in the first round a move that at the time looked terrible with a qb that Elway loved on the board until he snagged that guy in round 2, after of course also grabbing an instant starter at left guard. 2019's draft solidified the core of this offense for years to come. Elway simply has to fill the gaps that remain. 

The Broncos need a wide receiver next to Courtland Sutton, possibly two. However this is a receiver rich draft and a first round pick isn't needed to secure a starting caliber receiver. There are several names projected on day 2 of the draft including a home grown talent from CU that may catch their eye. 

The last and most important reason the Broncos desperately need Williams is veteran leadership. This team so insanely young at this point they need a veteran leader, and Flacco as a backup qb isn't going to be it. You need a hall of fame talent to lead the way. That's why Williams deserves the trade and contract he is asking for to close out his career, an DC it might just be what Denver needs.