Broncos CB Aqib Talib Trade To Rams For 2018 Fifth-Round Pick Nearly Ends Denver’s 2014 Spending Spree

The Denver Broncos traded cornerback Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2018 fifth-round pick, thus practically ending Denver’s free-agency spending binge from 2014.

Aqib Talib trade to Rams news

Talib is still owed $11 million this season and $8 million in 2019.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is the only Broncos player remaining from the team’s 2014 spree that restructured their entire roster.

In the span of about two days in March 2014 — just weeks after a 43-8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII — Denver signed outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, Talib, safety T.J. Ward, and Sanders. All four players were named to the Pro Bowl during their time with the Broncos, and the team went on to win division titles in 2014 and 2015 and eventually capture Super Bowl 50. Ware retired after that Super Bowl win.

“If I wasn’t [returning], it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing in the world,” Talib said, according to the Denver Post.

Talib, who has long been known as one of the NFL’s top corners, worked hard to keep that status as the Broncos’ defense struggled throughout the 2017 season.

The cornerback appeared in 15 games — his only absence came due to a suspension for fighting with Michael Crabtree during a game in November — and recorded 31 total tackles and one interception.

Talib should serve as a great asset to the Rams, whose secondary ranked 13th against the pass last season.

Should the Rams be dissatisfied with Talib after next season, they could release him prior to the 2019 campaign without accruing a dead salary cap charge and save $8 million.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos celebrates the Broncos’ safety in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)