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The NFL trade deadline does not usually involve big names, but this year may be an exception. With time ticking down to the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 3rd, rumors have been swirling involving names like Matt Forte, Eric Weddle, Joe Thomas, and Calvin Johnson. An injury-riddled Week 8 has also left a number of teams scrambling to fill key needs, whether via free agency or trade.
The first salvo of what could be many was fired this afternoon, as the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers confirmed a trade that sends former Pro Bowler Vernon Davis to the Broncos.
Here we go: 49ers trading TE Vernon Davis to Denver for 6th- and 7th-round picks this year, and a 6th-round pick in 2017, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2015
So just to be clear in Vernon Davis trade: SF and Denver swapping 6th and 7th round picks in 2016, and 49ers get Denver's 6th in 2017.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2015
Davis, a durable player who started every game he played in between 2007 and 2014 while missing just 5 games in that span, brings veteran savvy to the Broncos and career totals of 5,640 yards and 55 touchdowns from 441 receptions.
Throughout his career, Peyton Manning has leaned heavily on tight ends, and his chemistry with Dallas Clark and Julius Thomas with the Colts and the Broncos respectively elevated them to elite status at the position. On top of that, other tight ends like Jacob Tamme, Marcus Pollard, Ben Utecht, and now Virgil Green this season were able to garner looks and targets with Manning under center.
Davis may be already 31, but with Manning’s arm strength issues widely-documented this season, this move makes a ton of sense for a reliable pass-catching tight end who is also known for his blocking ability in run-heavy schemes with the 49ers.
It is entirely possible that Davis is going to be utilized as a security blanket for Manning with his blocking, considering that starting left tackle Ty Sambrailo was placed on the Injured Reserve list today.
Broncos LT Ty Sambrailo will be placed on IR tomorrow. Shoulder will be operated on.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 2, 2015
It is likely that the Broncos will make a move for an offensive lineman or promote one from the practice squad. The Broncos’ run game is improving with Ronnie Hillman getting more carries, and even though Davis becomes a viable threat in the short-passing game as well, his contribution in run and pass blocking could end up being the most important asset that he brings.
On the other side of this trade, the issues facing the 49ers running game with Carlos Hyde injured and Reggie Bush ruled out for the remainder of the season coupled with this move make it seem likely that the team is mailing it in for the year, and this may not be their only move as they look towards rebuilding.
