BREAKING: Broncos key Trade Lands $8 Million Mover
The Denver Broncos have made decisive moves this offseason, each aligned with Head Coach Sean Payton’s vision for the team.
One of their significant decisions was drafting Bo Nix, the former Oregon Ducks quarterback, with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Nix is seen as the future starting quarterback, potentially beginning his role as a rookie. To support him, the Broncos have bolstered their wide receiver lineup, though they still face uncertainties with their tight end and offensive line positions.
Particularly concerning is the center position. According to Alex Kay from Bleacher Report, without trading for a veteran, the Broncos will have to choose between inexperienced players like Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth or a previously unsuccessful starter, Sam Mustipher. Kay argues this is not ideal for a rookie quarterback and suggests a minor trade could improve the situation.
Kay proposes trading for Nate Herbig from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbig is a cost-effective, experienced center with potential for growth, which could benefit the team and Nix in the long term. Kay’s proposed trade involves securing Herbig for a late-round pick.
Broncos get:
– Nate Herbig
Steelers get:
– 2025 sixth-round pick
Kay’s proposal involves a 2025 seventh-round pick. However, the Steelers already have the rights to Denver’s seventh-round pick for that year, and if it doesn’t convey to Pittsburgh, it will revert to the Philadelphia Eagles. Therefore, the hypothetical trade would need to use one of Denver’s two sixth-round picks instead.
Tyler Wise from Steelers Depot characterized Herbig, who is entering the final season of his two-year, $8 million contract, as a “people mover.”
Nate Herbig: People Mover pic.twitter.com/NusGD3CYtc
— Tyler Wise (@TriggeredWise) August 18, 2023
The Steelers notably signed Russell Wilson after the Broncos released him. Despite Denver being responsible for $85 million of Wilson’s salary, the Steelers secured the nine-time Pro Bowler for a veteran minimum salary.
Given this recent transaction, Broncos general manager George Paton might be hesitant to engage in another trade with the Steelers. However, acquiring the 6-foot-4, 334-pound Herbig could be a low-risk move that benefits both the Broncos and Bo Nix.
Nick Herbig Could Bring Experience to Broncos in Potential Trade
An undrafted free agent from Stanford, Nate Herbig began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he started 12 games in 2020. He also played for the New York Jets, starting all 11 games he appeared in during 2022. Throughout his career, Herbig has started 30 of his 61 games. Last season with Pittsburgh, he started only two games and is projected to be a backup this season.
This situation could present an opportunity for the Broncos. Kay points out that despite Herbig being on his third team since entering the league in 2019, he has only played 2,239 offensive snaps in his career. While not a Pro Bowl-caliber talent, Herbig could stabilize the center position for Denver. He earned a commendable 67.6 Pro Football Focus grade last year, a significant improvement over the 57.9 grade Luke Wattenberg received in 2023. Herbig has fallen below his 2023 grade just once in his five NFL seasons, making him a potentially valuable addition for the Broncos and Bo Nix.
Alex Forsyth Makes Sense as Starting Center
Alex Forsyth, though inexperienced, became a full-time starter at center only in his final season at Oregon. During that time, he developed chemistry with Bo Nix and wide receiver Troy Franklin, both now on the Broncos’ roster. Forsyth has spoken highly of his former teammates and, as a former seventh-round pick with a year in the Broncos’ system, he could be as viable an option as any for the starting center position.
Given the uncertainties surrounding Luke Wattenberg and Sam Mustipher, Forsyth’s candidacy is strengthened. However, the Broncos should still consider adding experienced depth at center before training camp. The potential arrival of a veteran should not immediately diminish Forsyth’s prospects as a starter.