Here’s a quick run down of today’s rosters moves:
In a move that surprised no one, Alphonso Smith was traded today. His lackluster performance the last two years won him no backers at Bronco HQ, and McDaniels and company decided it was time to cut the cord of the colossal draft bust. What was surprising, however, is the compensation The Broncos received for Smith – a second round pick for which the Broncos traded their first round pick in 2010 in order to move up to select.
In exchange for Smith the Broncos received TE Dan Gronkowski, a seventh round draft pick in 2009 and a late round draft pick from the 2011 draft. Gronkowski was a third string tight end for the Lions, playing behind Brandon Pettigrew and former Bronco Tony Scheffler who was traded to the Lions during the offseason.
While I support the trade of Smith, I’m a little flummoxed by with the concept of cutting a your best receiving TE in April, then trading away a first rounder to get the third string backup of your former receiving TE to fill the hole created by his absence. I feel like I need a slide rule to make sense of it.
Also making waves Saturday, the erroneous report that the Broncos cut WR Brandon Stokely, DE Jarvis Green, and LB Darrel Reid. All three of these come as a surprise, but different reasons.
First, Brandon Stokely: The story behind is still a bit murky, but some media outlets (Denver Post) were incorrectly reporting that Brandon Stokely had been cut by the Broncos, when in fact he was placed on IR — joining the likes of sack master Elvis Dumervil and backup running back Lendale White both of whom the Broncos lost earlier in the pre-season.
That said though, I expect that this will be it for Brandon, as it is expected that he will be on the roster until he’s healthy, and then waived.
Next up, Darrell Reid. Reid, who was a stand out special team player last year and managed 4 sacks as an outside linebacker, never really recovered from knee surgery like the Bronco’s expected him to, and rather than rick the $1.7 million dollar salary he would have earned on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the Broncos decided to move on without the player who many consider one of their top Special Team talents.
Finally, the Broncos also cut Jarvis Green. Green was suppose to be one of Coach McDaniels “big three” free agent signings this off season, but that never materialized. The Broncos signed Green to a four year. $20 million dollar deal back in March. By cutting him Saturday, the Broncos are going to have to eat the $3.25 million Green is owed this off season (although his base salary can be offset if he signs elsewhere).
Here are the rest of Saturday’s moves:
Placed DL Ben Garland on reserve/military list
Released LB Kevin Alexander
Released TE Marquez Branson
Released WR Britt Davis
Released TE Riar Geer
Released S Kyle McCarthy
Released DL Jarvis Green
Released OL Seth Olsen
Released DL Darrell Reid
Released DL Jeff Stehle
Released LB Worrell Williams
Click here to see the full 2010 Broncos Roster.
