Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos would regret trading star pass-rusher Bradley Chubb

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 25, 2022 3:55 PM ET

Don't trade Bradley Chubb, Denver. It's a nonsensical idea.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, multiple teams are interested in Chubb. Although it's tempting, Denver should forget it because it would hurt the franchise for the short and long term.

Broncos have received multiple trade inquiries about star DE Bradley Chubb and WRs Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, sources told ESPN. Other teams believe that the Broncos will not sell low in any deal.

More ahead on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown at 10 am ET.https://t.co/EXcnNoQOsj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2022

The Broncos shouldn't change their defense, the No. 2 unit in the league, in which Chubb, a one-time Pro Bowler, is an integral component. Through seven games, he leads the Broncos in sacks with 5.5, tied for 11th in the league.

NFL sack leaders through Week 7:
- Matt Judon, 8.5
- Micah Parsons, 7
- Nick Bosa, 7
- Alex Highsmith, 6.5
- Maxx Crosby, 6
- Khalil Mack, 6
- Rashan Gary, 6
- Myles Garrett, 6
- Von Miller, 6
- Dorance Armstrong, 6
- Bradley Chubb, 5.5
- Za'Darius Smith, 5.5
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 25, 2022

Even though Denver covets draft picks, it shouldn't trade its top pass-rusher. It's difficult to find premium players who fill this role, and Chubb has proven to be elite.

Also, significant injuries have limited Denver's ability to create pressure. Promising outside linebacker Baron Browning will miss several games with a hip injury, and outside linebacker Randy Gregory is recovering from a right knee injury he suffered in Week 1.

The only player who could try to replicate Chubb's impact is Nik Bonitto. The rookie from Oklahoma has potential, but he's not consistent. He has only four tackles in seven games. Chubb has 24.

The Broncos need draft picks because they traded first- and second-rounders in the two upcoming drafts to acquire Russell Wilson.

However, the Broncos have other assets to move. Teams are showing interest in the Broncos' young wideouts, K.J. Hamler and Jerry Jeudy, per Schefter.

If Denver does trade Chubb before the trade deadline on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. EST, it will regret it.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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