Getty Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II takes the field before a Week 5 game with the Jets.
It was unlikely that the Denver Broncos would trade cornerback Patrick Surtain II during the NFL trade deadline on October 31st. However, that couldn’t stop two NFC and Super Bowl contenders from calling the Broncos.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles were interested in acquiring the All-Pro.
“They both called the Broncos, worried the other would end up with Surtain,” Florio reported Nov. 12. “That wasn’t meant to be, though, because the Broncos wouldn’t trade him without major drag.”
Florio mentioned that Denver sees Surtain “as someone who checks every box.”
Earlier that same day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided insight into the 49ers’ search for a big name. Surtain was considered with cornerback Jaylon Johnson and then-Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat.
“The cost of all three players ultimately proved too high for the 49ers, who thought they couldn’t complete a deal to improve their team just hours before the Oct. 31 deadline at 4 p.m. ET. ” Schefter reported on November 12th.
San Francisco ultimately settled on defensive end Chase Young after the Commanders lowered their asking price.
What could the Broncos get in return for Surtain?
Denver should be happy that they refused to pull the trigger when Surtain moved. The third-year defenseman is a crucial building block under head coach Sean Payton.
What return could the Broncos get from a trade for Surtain? Hypothetically speaking, of course.
After the deadline, Schefter spoke with Mark Schlereth of 104.3 The Fan in Denver about trade discussions involving top talent. Schefter admitted on the podcast that the Broncos were never even close to trading Surtain.
“They (Broncos) think he’s the best player on the team. It would have taken a Jalen Ramsey package to trade him,” Schefter told Schlereth on November 2nd.
In October 2019, the Los Angeles Rams acquired Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars for two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick. Denver would likely get a similar return for Surtain if they decided to move him.
Surtain has given the Broncos elite performance since being selected No. 9 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Alabama product is looking to be named first-team All-Pro in consecutive seasons.
Broncos must commit to being in the long term to be successful in the future
If the Broncos hope for sustained success, building around top players is an ideal starting point. Denver needs to build on Surtain as he is the engine that keeps the Broncos defense running.
Countless trade rumors swirled surrounding Surtain before the NFL trade deadline. Payton and the front office can put an end to future rumors by making a long-term commitment to Surtain.
According to Spotrac, Surtain signed a four-year, $20,962,628 contract with the Broncos in May 2021. Surtain is under contract with the team through the 2025 season. Denver can exercise his fifth-year option after the 2023 season. There would be no reason for them not to do it.
Should Denver choose not to re-sign him, Surtain would become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. Here, too, there would be no reason for them not to extend it.
The All-Pro has been through so much in his short time with the Broncos. Surtain has suffered from three coaching staffs and instability at the quarterback position.
Still, despite the team’s dysfunction, Surtain has remained a top-notch performer. He will soon be rewarded for his team-first mentality.
Evan Craig covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Denver Broncos. Since 2021, he has also covered the NFL for SB Nation’s Turf Show Times. More about Evan Craig
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