NFL Trade Deadline: Are Denver Broncos Making a Mistake Shopping Eddie Royal?

Just days after the Broncos made it known around the league that they would entertain offers to deal Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Lloyd, Denver added another quality contributor to the available list.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, talented Bronco wideout Eddie Royal has become the latest subject of trade talks in the Mile High City.

Schefter’s sources said that both Royal and Lloyd had requested trades from the Broncos, which set the wheels in motion quickly as Tuesday’s trade deadline looms.

For Denver fans, the latest rumors are just another frustrating example of what appears to be an effort by the Broncos to rid themselves of all talented players from recent rosters.

After all, if the Broncos are, in fact, in a rebuilding phase, which is typically an effort to do so with young, talented players, then why ship off two of the league's best, young offensive weapons?

Besides, just because a player requests a trade, that doesn’t mean that you, as an organization, have to trade that player.

On the surface, one can't help but wonder if this is a mistake—and certainly a believable one based on the recent history of this one-time proud franchise.

Prior to his firing as Denver’s head coach last year, Josh McDaniels was behind the moving of former Pro Bowlers Jay Cutler (to Chicago), Brandon Marshall (to Miami) and standout tight end Tony Scheffler (to Detroit).

He also traded running back Peyton Hillis to Cleveland for third-string quarterback Brady Quinn. Quarterback Kyle Orton, who was received by sending Cutler to Chicago, has now been benched in favor of Tim Tebow, who McDaniels drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

But as it concerns Royal, here’s Denver’s dilemma: if it doesn’t pull the trigger upon request of these players, the Broncos risk getting nothing in return.

Despite catching just four passes for 51 yards prior to being injured, Royal is garnering reported interest from the Tennessee Titans and the Carolina Panthers.

According to ESPN’s Bill Williamson, Washington and coach Mike Shanahan, who coached Royal as a rookie in 2008, catching 91 balls for nearly 1,000 yards.

According to the Denver Post, which first reported that the Broncos would consider moving Lloyd, the latest interest shows the 49ers, Rams and Patriots.

The Niners are interested in that they drafted Lloyd in the fourth-round of the 2003 NFL Draft, and the Rams are intriguing considering McDaniels is currently the offensive coordinator of St. Louis’ league-worst offense.