Before the GettyBroncos and Jets play in Week 5, CB Patrick Surtain II of the team takes the field.
It was doubtful that the Denver Broncos will deal cornerback Patrick Surtain II before the NFL trade deadline on October 31. Despite this, two NFC and Super Bowl contenders still made contact with the Broncos.
The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles expressed interest in signing the All-Pro, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
On November 12, Florio wrote, “They were both calling the Broncos, and they were both worried that the other would end up with Surtain.” But it was never going to happen because the Broncos wouldn’t deal him unless they got a huge haul.
According to Florio, Surtain is seen in Denver as “someone who checks every box.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided information about the 49ers’ hunt for a marquee name early that day. Surtain was given consideration alongside defensive end Montgomery Sweat of the Washington Commanders and cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
With just hours to go before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on October 31, Schefter stated on November 12 that “the 49ers ultimately found the cost of all three players to be too high, thinking that they wouldn’t be able to make a deal to improve their team.”
The Commanders later dropped their asking price, and San Francisco ultimately decided on defensive end Chase Young.
What Would the Broncos Receive in Surtain’s Exchange?
It’s good for Denver that they decided against moving Surtain. Under head coach Sean Payton, the third-year defender is an essential development component.
How much money could the Broncos get for Surtain in a trade? In a hypothetical sense, of course.
Following the deadline, Schefter discussed trade talks involving elite players with Denver’s 104.3 The Fan’s Mark Schlereth. In the show, Schefter admitted that trading Surtain was never even close to happening for the Broncos.
“They (the Broncos) believe he is the team’s best player.” On November 2, Schefter informed Schlereth that “it would have taken a Jarlen Ramsey package to trade him.”
Ramsey was purchased by the Los Angeles Rams in October 2019 for two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection from the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Denver were to trade for Surtain, they would probably get a comparable return.
Ever since he was chosen ninth overall in the 2021 NFL Draught, Surtain has provided the Broncos with excellent production. The Alabama product hopes to be selected to the First team of the All-Pro team for consecutive seasons.
Broncos Need to Make a Long-Term Commitment to Stay Successful in the Future
If the Broncos want to succeed in the long run, they should start by building around elite players. Surtain is the backbone of the Broncos defence, so Denver must design their defence around him.
Before the NFL trade deadline, Surtain was the subject of innumerable trade rumours. By making a long-term commitment to Surtain, Payton and the front office can put an end to any rumours in the future.
In May 2021, Surtain inked a $20,962,628 four-year contract with the Broncos, according to Spotrac. Surtain and the team have a deal that runs until the 2025 campaign. Denver may exercise his option for a fifth year following the 2023 campaign. They would have no excuse not to.
Surtain would become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason if Denver decides not to re-sign him. Once more, there would be no excuse for them to refuse him.
The All-Pro has experienced a great deal in his brief tenure with the Broncos. Three different coaching staffs and inconsistency at the quarterback position have been a burden for Surtain.
Surtain hasn’t changed, though, despite the turmoil on the team. Soon enough, he will be rewarded for his team-first approach.
For Heavy.com, Evan Craig covers the NFL, concentrating on the Denver Broncos. Since 2021, he has also provided NFL coverage for SB Nation’s Turf Show Times.A bit more about Evan Craig
