Laurence Maroney: Denver Broncos Trade for Former Patriots RB

Numerous reports now indicate that the New England Patriots have indeed sent running back Laurence Maroney and a 2011 sixth round draft choice to the Denver Broncos for a 2011 fourth round draft pick.

Maroney, a former first round pick in 2006, has been a monumental disappointment following a promising rookie season. Maroney has battled through injuries, but has not been effective enough to win the starting job in New England despite defenses keying in on Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the Patriots’ passing game.

Maroney was inactive Sunday in the Patriots’ 38-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, while Fred Taylor took the lead running back role once again, rushing for 71 yards.

Former Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be reunited with Maroney, a player whom he was instrumental in drafting.

The Broncos backfield has been riddled with injuries including an injury to starting RB Knowshon Moreno that kept him out of the pre-season and a ruptured Achilles’ tendon that put RB LenDale White on IR.

Maroney is expected to be a complementary back to Knowshon Moreno, but could be the next-in-line should Moreno miss significant playing time with an injury this season.

Update: The Broncos waived RB Andre Brown to make room for Maroney. Rumors are that the New York Giants, Brown's former team, appear to be the front-runner in acquiring him again.