NFL Rumors: Denver Broncos Must Continue Pursuit of Asante Samuel

You can't fault the Denver Broncos for trying. 

According to Denver Post, beat writer Mike Klis reports the team tried to trade for four-time Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. 

Per Klis, the Broncos were wiling to send a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick or a player in exchange for the 31-year-old ball hawking corner, but negotiations ultimately flamed out. 

Denver shouldn't give up, yet. 

Acquiring Samuel would be significantly advantageous for a team that only hauled in nine interceptions last year. 

The "youth movement" initiative we hear about with so many other teams doesn't hold true in Denver. Their quarterback, you may know him, Peyton Manning, just turned 36. Champ Bailey—the elder statesman in their secondary—turns 34 in June. 

The Broncos are a team undoubtedly in "win now" mode. 

What would be the harm in unloading one of the two fourth rounders they have in this year's draft? 

Is that player going benefit the team more effectively in the short term than Samuel would? 

No way. 

Sure, the Broncos don't have to pull out all the stops to win the Super Bowl this year, but with Manning in the twilight of his career, the door is closing before it's even been opened. 

Take another stab, Denver. Offer a fourth-round pick and see if the Philadelphia Eagles bite. 

Your team needs Asante Samuel. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso