Report: Contenders were calling Broncos about CB at deadline

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFC contenders were calling Broncos about All-Pro CB at trade deadline

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/13/23

Before the trade deadline, two Super Bowl contenders reportedly kicked the tires on Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos made the right decision and kept him instead.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the San Francisco 49ers "checked in" on the 23-year-old cornerback but felt the asking price was too high. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted the Philadelphia Eagles were interested as well.

Even though the Broncos (3-5) have won back-to-back games, the New York Times Simulator notes they have only a 4% chance to make the playoffs, so they will probably enter rebuilding mode after the season.

If Surtain had been traded, the team could have acquired more draft capital. In three seasons, he has 32 passes defended, seven interceptions and earned a first-team All-Pro nod.

WOW! An incredible INT by @PatSurtainll!

: #NYJvsDEN on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/yh2wsG0eJw
— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023

Still, even if Philadelphia (8-1) or San Francisco (6-3) were willing to give up a first-rounder, the Broncos would've lost the deal. Per Tankathon, the Eagles currently is scheduled to have the 32nd pick in the 2024 draft, while the 49ers holds the 27th selection. At those slots, most of the top prospects are off the board.

Trading elite players like Surtain isn't smart, either. This offseason, ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler surveyed 80 coaches, scouts and executives. They ranked the Alabama product as the best cornerback in the NFL.

"He's separated himself, and I don't think it's close," an AFC scout said of Surtain, per Fowler. "If you're starting a team, you're taking him first."

Denver is last in the league in points allowed (28.3), so it can't afford to lose defensive studs. Surtain will continue to establish himself as a lockdown corner and franchise cornerstone.

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